From fifty yearstheMiyako Elefantess lives in complete solitude in the zoo of Utsunomiyain Japan. Taken from Thailand when he had just six monthshas never had contacts with other specimens of its species again. Since then its existence is consumed within a concrete fencewithout stimuli and affections, an environment that does not in any way respect the ethological needs of Asian elephants.
The elephants They are social animals, intelligent and deeply empathic. In nature they live in groups, they take care of each other, celebrate births and mourned the mourning. Miyako, on the other hand, is forced to spend the days alonesurrounded by its own excrements, without the possibility of adequate movement and stimulation. Pass time rocking back and forth obsessively, a behavior known as stereoevident index of mental suffering.
A dangerous prison
The only interaction that Miyako has is with zoo visitors, who try to offer her food over a moat that surrounds her fence. In the past, just trying to reach something to eat, has fallen into the pitputting one’s safety at risk. Even today every attempt to stretch towards people is a concrete danger. Furthermore, his Nails grown and neglected They indicate an evident physical discomfort, as well as psychological.
Despite the repeated requests from animalistic organizations such as Peta Asia and Elephants in Japan, the zoo continues to refuse any transfer proposal In more appropriate structures. There are sanctuaries where Miyako could finally walk on real land, receive veterinary care and, above all, live with other elephants. But so far, every attempt to free her has fallen into the void.
Miyako is not an isolated case. Its history represents that of many Elephants in captivitycondemned to artificial lives, in cages that do not respect their nature. It’s time to ask for a change. Sharing its history is a first step to break indifference and Ask justice for Miyako. After half a century of isolation, it finally deserves dignity, freedom and company.
