Written by PETA
As if being beaten and sodomized at 5 years old weren't enough to endure, Rose-Tu, an elephant at the Oregon Zoo, is facing her second forced pregnancy.
The Oregon Zoo paid a $10,000 federal fine after authorities found that this youngster had sustained 176 gashes and cuts after being repeatedly struck with a bullhook—a heavy baton with a sharp metal hook on the end—that was also used to sodomize her. It's little wonder that Rose-Tu's first forced pregnancy resulted in the chaining of the confused and frightened mother after she kicked her newborn.
Traumatic, costly elephant-breeding programs are indefensible. The mortality rate for babies is high, and no baby who manages to survive will ever be released into the wild. If Rose-Tu's pregnancy is successful, her baby may eventually be shipped to Have Trunk Will Travel, an outfit caught on tape abusing elephants, including a baby.
Remember: The way that you can make the most difference for animals like Rose-Tu is by never buying a ticket to the zoo.
Written by Jennifer O'Connor
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