Zoos know it is not safe to have elephants in close proximity to humans. yet the Zor Shrine Circus in Madison allows children to ride atop elephants every year. It is time to ban the use of elephants in circuses.
The AZA, which accredits the Santa Ana Zoo, changed it safety policies over the summer to require that zookeepers not share space with an elephant without a protective barrier between them, Mouet said. Since elephant rides involve direct contact between people and elephants, the rides must end for the Santa Ana Zoo to keep its accreditation, Mouet said.
Santa Ana Zoo ends elephant rides after protests | rides, zoo, santa – The Orange County Register.