Zoos often claim to be saving elephants by keeping them in captivity under the guise of “conservation.” However, true conservation takes place in the natural habitats of elephants, in Asia and Africa, where innovative solutions are helping to protect these majestic creatures.
One such success story comes from Sabah, Malaysia, where creative measures are fostering coexistence between elephants and humans.
If you don’t want to read the full story,
Jump to Watch Video
Planting Peace in Malaysia
In northern Borneo, human development and agriculture have squeezed elephants into smaller habitats, leading to dangerous conflicts when elephants raid palm oil plantations. To address this, non-profits, government agencies, and plantation owners are working together to create buffer zones with plants that elephants dislike and to establish safe travel corridors for the animals.
Over the past three years, conservationists have planted 50 acres of tall grasses near the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. These grasses not only lure elephants away from palm plantations but also provide a sustainable food source, as they grow back profusely after being consumed. This innovative approach is paving the way for peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.
Chendra’s Heartbreaking Story
The tragic life of Chendra, a Borneo pygmy elephant, serves as a stark reminder of the harm caused by keeping elephants in captivity. Chendra was taken to the Oregon Zoo in 1999 at just four years old, after being orphaned and blinded in one eye, reportedly due to a shooting at a palm oil plantation.
As a smaller subspecies of Asian elephants, Chendra was subjected to failed breeding attempts with larger Asian bulls. She later experienced a miscarriage during her pregnancy and contracted tuberculosis. Years of confinement have caused numerous health problems, including foot infections, lameness, and zoochotic behaviors like repetitive circling—clear signs of stress and depression.
Chendra’s plight highlights the cruelty of removing elephants from their natural environments. The best solution for her would be retirement to a true elephant sanctuary, where she can begin to heal from her years of suffering.
A Brighter Future for Elephants
Efforts like those in Malaysia demonstrate that protecting elephant habitats, creating safe travel corridors, and finding sustainable solutions are the most effective ways to ensure elephants thrive in the wild. Elephants belong in their natural homes, not in zoos, where their lives are marked by confinement and distress.
True conservation is about enabling elephants to live as nature intended—in the wild, where they can roam freely and peacefully coexist with humans.
Watch the video below:
Read more Elephant News.