AFRICA / 8 AUGUST
2019, 7:02PM / MELISSA REITZ

US zoos now plan to import baby elephants from Zimbabwe, undeterred by the
international furore over their 2016 import of 18 wild elephants from
Swaziland.

The US Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) media liaison, Rob Vernon,
has confirmed “knowledge of a possible (elephant) import by AZA members and
others,” but denied knowledge of which facilities are involved. Unconfirmed
reports from a reputable Zimbabwean source state that San Diego Zoo is
likely to be one of the importers.

Vernon did not reply to queries whether AZA endorsed the import of
wild-caught elephants.

This import is despite ongoing international campaigns against Zimbabwe’s
wild-caught elephant trade and international condemnation for the 2016 US
purchase of 18 wild elephants from eSwatini (Swaziland) by AZA accredited
zoos.

Of the “Swazi 18” sold to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Wichita’s Sedgwick
County Zoo and Dallas Zoo, two have died…