Campaign launched against Blackpool Zoo's plans to expand elephant enclosure
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition against Blackpool Zoo's plans to expand its elephant enclosure.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition against Blackpool Zoo's plans to expand its elephant enclosure.
The Zoo applied to Blackpool Council for planning permission so they can house can bring new elephants to the site.
Animal Right's group PETA have launched the petition against the plans as they claim the size of the enclosure isn't big enough.
"Elephants are sensitive and highly intelligent animals who, in nature, roam huge distances every day with their closely knit families", says PETA Director Mimi Bekhechi. "PETA is calling on Blackpool Council to prevent the zoo from sentencing more of these majestic animals to a life of deprivation behind bars."
The petition to end the elephant programme is supported by Councillor Tony Williams, leader of the Blackpool Council Conservative Group. He told Rock FM that he is "saddened they haven't taken the same stance as London, Edinburgh and Bristol Zoos who no longer keep elephants at their sites."
Rock FM contacted Blackpool Zoo and they declined to do an interview with us or send us a statement and they didn't want to comment on the story, but thanked us for the opportunity to do so.
Here is a statement released by the Zoo in January when they announced their plans to expand the enclosure.
Darren Webster, Managing Director at Blackpool Zoo, said: “Our long term aim is to be home to a breeding herd of this magnificent, endangered species and this is the first step towards realising this goal.”
“Blackpool Zoo is committed to continuous improvement to ensure people keep returning again and again.
“In recent years we have invested millions of pounds in improving facilities for our residents and visitors, with the largest so far being a £1million project to build Orangutan Outlook.
“This new investment is more than double this and it represents a very exciting time for Blackpool Zoo.”
You can find PETA's petition here
You can find out more information on Blackpool Zoo's elephant enclosure plans here