As a global community, on behalf of the elephant Ely we are requesting the officials of the Government of Mexico to take the necessary measures for her retirement to a sanctuary. 

Ely is an African Elephant, who like many other elephants has suffered abuse, mistreatment, and exploitation from a very young age; for 25 years at the Vázquez’s Brothers Circus, and currently resides deprived of her liberty for more than nine years at the San Juan de Aragón Zoo, in Mexico City. 

At the zoo, Ely shared the enclosure with Maggie, an Asian elephant, for just over three years, until Maggie was euthanized due to problems with her feet, the disease that afflicts the most of these captive creatures. We don't want this to happen to Ely. 

Since her arrival at the zoo, Ely has exhibited a long list of injuries, infections, and diseases; including cracked ulcerative dermatitis; hyperkeratosis in the skin, cracked nails and soles, clear discomfort in her right hind leg due to an old fracture and a fistula in her left jaw, caused by the bullhook in the circus, among other ailments. Her enclosure, mostly made in concrete, intensifies the negative impact on her physical health as this increases the pressure and stress on her already arthritic joints and her sore feet. 

Ely has eventually been observed eating her own feces and hitting her head with her trunk and against the bars. It is humiliating for her to keep her lonely and in her current condition. Elephants are a recognized social species, individuals of a herd, of a family with matriarchal leadership, so having her in complete solitude is not only a violation of the most elemental ethics, but also affects her well-being, by preventing the specific development of her natural abilities. 

While Ely suffers physically, the lack of mental and social stimulation it is perhaps that has the bigger impact. Ely manifests hours and hours of stereotypical behavior. These repetitive behaviors called zoochosis are Ely's brain trying to cope with the lack of mental, physical, environmental, and social stimulation. 

Zoochosis has been linked to problems in the endocrine immune systems, as has been shown in the most recent scientific studies. 

Neural consequences of captivity for elephants and cetaceans https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/revneuro-2021-0100/html  

It is best for Ely to consider her health status comparable to elephants that exhibited the same physical and mental health profile in captivity and currently thrive in Sanctuarys. The changes these gentle giants present now are a hope for Ely. 

We do not omit to mention that although in Mexico they have tried to do the best possible for Ely's well-being, and still provide her the best care available, no space no matter how large it could be would be able to meet her real needs. That is why we urge you to join and lead together with other countries that have banned elephants in circuses and / or zoos, establishing with Ely’s case a precedent by allowing her retirement to a sanctuary giving her the opportunity to enjoy an environment of peace, restore their nature in large natural spaces, heal from his physical and mental illness and renew his spirit fully, along with other retired elephants. 

We trust that we all share a common goal, the best for Ely's health and well-being. 

For love & respect to Ely, and to all the NON-HUMAN animals...  Thank you. 

Abriendo jaulas & abriendo mentes