Help relocate the distressed elephant in Tbilisi Zoo

Recent signers:
Mari dolikashvili and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

No animal should go through the immense stress and suffering caused by zoochosis, a condition affecting animals in captivity due to inadequate environments. In the Tbilisi Zoo in Georgia, there is an elephant exhibiting clear signs of this distressing condition. Pacing, head bobbing, swaying—these are not behaviors we associate with a thriving, content elephant enjoying life as its wild counterparts do. Instead, they signal an urgent need for change. If this behavior concerning already, i would like to add the fact that the elephant has been showing this sign of severe stress and zoochosis for years. i saw it away it's head nonstop at the zoo only a few weeks ago, and two days ago i came across a video uploaded nine years ago of the elephant doing the same exact thing. It shouldn't have to die knowing it never got the security it needed. no animal should die in stress, especially when it's surrounded by humans, the people with the potential to save it, those people are us. 

Zoochosis is a serious issue that stems from the acute stress and lack of stimulation that animals experience when confined in environments that don't meet their physical and psychological needs. For an elephant, a magnificent creature designed to roam vast distances, forage for food, and interact socially with complex herds, being confined to limited space with few natural stimuli leads to profound psychological distress.

This elephant's plight is a heartbreaking sight, a call to action. We need to provide this creature with a sanctuary that resembles its natural habitat, a place where it can recover from the trauma of captivity and rediscover behaviors essential for its physical and mental well-being. Sanctuaries across the world have successfully rehabilitated elephants, allowing them to lead healthier, happier lives.

As custodians of these remarkable animals, it is our responsibility to ensure their welfare is paramount. Moving this elephant to a more suitable environment is crucial. We propose collaborating with international wildlife organizations that specialize in relocating and rehabilitating elephants. By doing so, we can bring in experts to assess and facilitate a move that prioritizes the elephant’s health and happiness.

This petition calls upon the management of the Tbilisi Zoo, Georgian authorities, and wildlife conservation groups to spearhead this initiative. Together, we can make a significant difference in the life of this elephant. Your signature is a powerful voice advocating for compassion and action.

Please sign this petition to urge immediate steps towards the relocation and rehabilitation of one of the world's most majestic animals. Your support can help change its future immensely, offering a life of freedom, dignity, and joy.

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Recent signers:
Mari dolikashvili and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

No animal should go through the immense stress and suffering caused by zoochosis, a condition affecting animals in captivity due to inadequate environments. In the Tbilisi Zoo in Georgia, there is an elephant exhibiting clear signs of this distressing condition. Pacing, head bobbing, swaying—these are not behaviors we associate with a thriving, content elephant enjoying life as its wild counterparts do. Instead, they signal an urgent need for change. If this behavior concerning already, i would like to add the fact that the elephant has been showing this sign of severe stress and zoochosis for years. i saw it away it's head nonstop at the zoo only a few weeks ago, and two days ago i came across a video uploaded nine years ago of the elephant doing the same exact thing. It shouldn't have to die knowing it never got the security it needed. no animal should die in stress, especially when it's surrounded by humans, the people with the potential to save it, those people are us. 

Zoochosis is a serious issue that stems from the acute stress and lack of stimulation that animals experience when confined in environments that don't meet their physical and psychological needs. For an elephant, a magnificent creature designed to roam vast distances, forage for food, and interact socially with complex herds, being confined to limited space with few natural stimuli leads to profound psychological distress.

This elephant's plight is a heartbreaking sight, a call to action. We need to provide this creature with a sanctuary that resembles its natural habitat, a place where it can recover from the trauma of captivity and rediscover behaviors essential for its physical and mental well-being. Sanctuaries across the world have successfully rehabilitated elephants, allowing them to lead healthier, happier lives.

As custodians of these remarkable animals, it is our responsibility to ensure their welfare is paramount. Moving this elephant to a more suitable environment is crucial. We propose collaborating with international wildlife organizations that specialize in relocating and rehabilitating elephants. By doing so, we can bring in experts to assess and facilitate a move that prioritizes the elephant’s health and happiness.

This petition calls upon the management of the Tbilisi Zoo, Georgian authorities, and wildlife conservation groups to spearhead this initiative. Together, we can make a significant difference in the life of this elephant. Your signature is a powerful voice advocating for compassion and action.

Please sign this petition to urge immediate steps towards the relocation and rehabilitation of one of the world's most majestic animals. Your support can help change its future immensely, offering a life of freedom, dignity, and joy.

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