Hundreds of community members have signed an online petition calling on Roger Williams Park Zoo to reconsider its plans to relocate its three African elephants to a sanctuary. According to reporting by WPRI, the petition highlights a deep public attachment to the animals, with supporters arguing that the trio should remain in the familiar environment where they have received care for decades.
Despite public concern, the zoo maintains that moving the elephants is in their best long-term interest to ensure they receive optimal care and social opportunities as they age.
Official Statement from Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s African elephants Alice, Ginny and Kate – who have been together their entire lives and came to the Zoo 34 years ago – turn 40 this year. To ensure the elephants remain together, receive the care they will need and always have elephant companionship as they age, they will move to a new home in late 2027.
“Alice, Ginny and Kate are healthy, and they’ve lived together for nearly 40 years. As they reach advanced ages, we want them to continue to live well. That’s why we are now making plans to move them together to a new home where they will have the company of fellow elephants and the care they will need to live out their days comfortably,” said Stacey Johnson, executive director of Roger Williams Park Zoo.
“Elephants are very social animals and thrive in groups, which is why AZA-accredited zoos like ours aim to care for elephants in groups of no fewer than three. As Alice, Ginny and Kate advance in years, we want to avoid one of them being left alone. We are taking proactive steps while they are in good health to transition them into a supportive group setting that provides care for aging elephants and offers them opportunities to socialize with a larger group of elephants.”
