TAOS - The Association of Sanctuaries - We accredit superior animal sanctuaries for wild animals, farmed animals, and companion animals and assist animal sanctuaries in providing quality rescue and care for displaced animals who live in an animal sanctuary.

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African Elephant - Corel

Detroit and San Francisco Zoo Elephants: Sanctuary or Zoo?

A few months ago the Detroit and San Francisco Zoos made the decision to send their elephants to sanctuaries accredited by TAOS (PAWS and The Elephant Sanctuary). They did this, they said, because they recognized that they were not able to provide the kind of care that the animals needed, especially in terms of space, and that the sanctuaries were better able to do so. These seemed conscientious decisions for which the zoos' directors were to be congratulated.

Subsequently, however, the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA), which accredits these zoos, has said that the elephants must be transferred to other zoos instead of sanctuaries. The situation has aroused a certain degree of controversy and helped to illuminate much that distinguishes accredited sanctuaries from zoos.

We believe this situation is an opportunity for extended conversation about animal welfare issues as well as relations between zoos and sanctuaries, both of which are of considerable interest to us at The Association of Sanctuaries. We welcome comments.