Keep the elephants at Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Issue
For almost 40 years, the 3 female African elephants, Kate, Ginny, and Alice, at Roger Williams Park Zoo have been a cherished part of our community. These majestic animals have spent their whole lives within the welcoming confines of Roger Williams Park Zoo, cared for by dedicated keepers who treat them like family. This level of care is not something easily replicated elsewhere, especially for elephants of advanced age whose health and well-being depend heavily on stability and familiar surroundings.
Elephants are incredibly intelligent and socially complex creatures. Sudden changes in their environment can lead to stress and severe health problems. Relocating older elephants could be traumatizing and potentially life-threatening. The International Elephant Foundation states that older elephants, when moved, can suffer from heightened anxiety and depression, and even deteriorate rapidly in unfamiliar environments.
Roger Williams Park Zoo has a longstanding history of providing excellent care for its elephants. It is this commitment to their welfare that ensures their quality of life remains high. The idea of moving these elephants risks disrupting that quality care and jeopardizes their well-being.
We understand that there are arguments for relocation, such as concerns about space or updated facility standards. However, the emotional and physiological risks to these elephants must be paramount in any decision. Their aging bodies and hearts know this zoo as home, and the loss of that comfort can be devastating.
We, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, including Rhode Island locals, zoo visitors, and animal lovers everywhere, to support keeping the elephants in their home at Roger Williams Park Zoo by imploring zoo officials and Board members to ensure their remaining years are filled with the contentment and love they have always known.
Sign this petition to urge the decision-makers to choose compassion and stability over disruption and uncertainty. Stand with us in protecting our beloved elephants, ensuring they live out their days in the peaceful environment they have always known and thrived in.
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The Issue
For almost 40 years, the 3 female African elephants, Kate, Ginny, and Alice, at Roger Williams Park Zoo have been a cherished part of our community. These majestic animals have spent their whole lives within the welcoming confines of Roger Williams Park Zoo, cared for by dedicated keepers who treat them like family. This level of care is not something easily replicated elsewhere, especially for elephants of advanced age whose health and well-being depend heavily on stability and familiar surroundings.
Elephants are incredibly intelligent and socially complex creatures. Sudden changes in their environment can lead to stress and severe health problems. Relocating older elephants could be traumatizing and potentially life-threatening. The International Elephant Foundation states that older elephants, when moved, can suffer from heightened anxiety and depression, and even deteriorate rapidly in unfamiliar environments.
Roger Williams Park Zoo has a longstanding history of providing excellent care for its elephants. It is this commitment to their welfare that ensures their quality of life remains high. The idea of moving these elephants risks disrupting that quality care and jeopardizes their well-being.
We understand that there are arguments for relocation, such as concerns about space or updated facility standards. However, the emotional and physiological risks to these elephants must be paramount in any decision. Their aging bodies and hearts know this zoo as home, and the loss of that comfort can be devastating.
We, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, including Rhode Island locals, zoo visitors, and animal lovers everywhere, to support keeping the elephants in their home at Roger Williams Park Zoo by imploring zoo officials and Board members to ensure their remaining years are filled with the contentment and love they have always known.
Sign this petition to urge the decision-makers to choose compassion and stability over disruption and uncertainty. Stand with us in protecting our beloved elephants, ensuring they live out their days in the peaceful environment they have always known and thrived in.
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Petition created on July 31, 2026