Republic of Tea Commits to Not Using Images of Captive Wildlife on Packaging

After hearing from PETA that elephants who are forced to participate in festivals or other displays suffer in many of the same ways as those who are exploited for rides, The Republic of Tea made the compassionate decision not to use images of captive wildlife on its packaging going forward. PETA wrote to the company in response to a depiction of an elephant carrying tea and flowers on its package. Elephants used for rides live under the constant threat of being hit with weapons and spend days—sometimes even years—with chains around their legs, unable to take a step in any direction. During festivals and other events, elephants are surrounded by rowdy crowds and subjected to fireworks displays and other disturbances that can confuse, overwhelm, and terrify them.