Elephant importation from range countries: Ethical and practical considerations for accredited zoos

摘要: Zoo elephant populations are in serious demographic peril. Advances management and care expected to lead improved reproductive success. The existing cohort of reproductively viable adult females is aging, however, effective changes may not come fast enough sustain the population over time. If so, importation captive, semi-domesticated, wild elephants from range countries be necessary for zoo programs survive. Yet, due high profile now have with animal rights activists, there increasing legal political barriers importation. This makes it especially important that zoos become more proactive addressing remaining weaknesses building case zoos. article summarizes key considerations AZA-accredited contemplating future importations. These include ethical, legal, practical, public relations, other considerations. authors strongly recommend position themselves possible importations immediately instead waiting until last minute. It equally critical recognize their vulnerabilities attempt address them proactively; only then, can they take control own fate reduce potential later regret. Biol 25:219–233, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.