In a decision that generated strong reactions from environmental organizations and animal rights defenders, the elephant Ely from Mexico suffered a judicial setback.
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) rejected the amparo that requested her transfer to a sanctuary.
The 37-year-old African elephant lives in the Chapultepec Zoo and they seek to relocate her to a specialized sanctuary where she could live in conditions more suitable for her species.
Why the elephant Ely will remain in the zoo
The ruling issued on Tuesday confirms that Ely will remain in captivity, dismissing arguments alleging mistreatment, loneliness, and chronic stress.
The elephant has lived for over a decade in the capital’s zoo, in conditions that activists and specialists consider inadequate for her physical and emotional health.
The elephant Ely. (Photo: SEDEMA).
The SCJN considered that there was no evident physical harm that justified her relocation. In addition, the authorities of the Chapultepec Zoo stated that Ely receives veterinary care, adequate nutrition, and daily environmental enrichment, and that her health does not require relocation.
The Environmental and Territorial Ordinance Prosecutor (PAOT) also argued that the enclosure meets the minimum conditions required for her maintenance, although they acknowledged that the environment does not faithfully replicate the animal’s natural habitat.
Who is Ely and why did her case generate so much debate?
Ely was imported from Africa and has lived in various Mexican zoos. Over the years, her story became a symbol for organizations fighting against the use of wild animals in shows and exhibition centers.
Her case became a symbol of the debate on animal rights in the Mexican legal system.
The plaintiffs argued that Ely suffers from chronic stress, social isolation, and lack of environmental stimulation. Something that could be reversed in a sanctuary where she could interact with other elephants, move freely, and regain natural behaviors.
Reactions from environmentalists and next steps
Various organizations like Animal Heroes, International Elephant Foundation, and PETA Latino expressed their rejection of the ruling.
They denounced that an historic opportunity was lost to advance in the ethical reconstruction of the bond between humans and wild animals in captivity.
Activists announced that they will continue to push campaigns for Ely to be relocated to an international sanctuary, emphasizing the need to modify laws that still allow the confinement of wild species in urban zoos.
The “saddest elephant in the world”
For over seven years, Ely was alone in the zoo where she arrived after being rescued from a circus. She became depressed, hit herself against the walls, and was very thin.
That’s why the activists who reported her situation called her Ely, the “saddest elephant in the world.” However, they achieved something unprecedented for Mexican justice.
The Supreme Court of Justice decided on Wednesday to grant an amparo to this African elephant, who has been living for 13 years in the zoo of San Juan de Aragón. It is so that her caretakers improve her habitat and ensure her health.
Activists seek for her to live in an elephant sanctuary.
Diana Valencia, director and founder of the local association Abriendo Jaulas y Abriendo Mentes, who promoted the case, recounted the situation. “Ely was in terrible conditions. I believe she was close to dying,” she told the AP agency.
This legal battle began in 2016, alongside other animal defenders. They demand the elephant’s liberation, who is between 43 and 45 years old, or her transfer to a sanctuary where she can be with more individuals.
