To the Editor:
Maggie, the ailing elephant at the Alaska Zoo, needs to be sent to a sanctuary without further delay. First, the Alaska Zoo persists in keeping this social animal isolated and alone. Next, they tell us that a treadmill will keep her "active" during the long winter months she's kept in a tiny indoor cage. Now, firefighters and winches have been called in to haul a collapsed and ailing Maggie off the floor and keep her standing.
Elephants who fall or lay down are in trouble and it often means death is imminent. When prone, the sheer mass of an elephant's body puts intolerable strain on their organs.
If the zoo persists in delaying, the decision will likely be made for them. Maggie will be dead.
Jennifer O'Connor
Animals in Entertainment Campaign Writer
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-7382, ext. 8003 | 
