Elephant Deaths in Captivity Emphasize Zoo Issues
Born Free is saddened and frustrated by recent tragic events involving elephants in zoos around the world.
In September 2025, several reports of captive elephant deaths served as a reminder of the dangers faced by elephants in zoos.
These deaths are tragic and reinforce frustration with the zoo industry for keeping elephants in captivity and solitary confinement.
- In Switzerland, four-month-old Zali at Zurich Zoo died due to a twisted small intestine.
- Zali suffered a serious leg injury while playing in a pile of branches two days before her death.
Such an irreversible complication can occur when an animal is under severe stress and in pain.
Author's summary: Elephant deaths in zoos highlight captivity issues.