Mexico’s Supreme Court orders a zoo to improve conditions for Ely the elephant
Associated PressMAR 2
Mexico's Top Court Makes Historic Ruling for Zoo Elephant
Above: Animal rights activists hold banners while they take part in a protest to demand justice for Ely the elephant in front of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 17, 2024. Image copyright: Daniel Cardenas/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a welcome ruling after years of pleas from concerned citizens. Ely the elephant is a beloved animal whose life has been tormented by years of circus abuse and subsequent confinement in the zoo. Elephants are remarkable animals with emotions similar to humans, which is why if they're going to be put in a zoo, their well-being must be ensured by law.
Narrative B
While zoo animals obviously deserve to be treated with the best possible care, cases like this also bring up the question of whether the broader zoo industry is actually good for wild animals. Of course, there are positive aspects, including breeding endangered species and protecting them from poachers, but this isn't always true. More research should be conducted regarding the necessity of zoos.