The 10 worst zoos for elephants.

It’s important to remember, that although many times animal abuse is focused on those poor cats and dogs, it occurs to all species in the world.

Elephants, who are exceptionally smart and emotional, are high on the list of animals who get abused daily, especially at zoos across America. Today, international animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals, released its list of the 10 worst zoos for elephants in America… and it will shock you. According to the Press Release, the list exposes the cruelty behind keeping the Earth’s largest land mammal captive in small, inadequate zoo exhibits that cause a lifetime of misery.

These zoos are accused of: exporting young elephants, placing elephants in solitary confinement, lacking medical care, and keeping elephants in unsafe temperatures for long periods of time.

It’s important to note that not only was New York’s Buffalo Zoo number nine on this list, but the famed Bronx Zoo, was placed in the Hall of Shame, as it has kept an Asian elephant named Happy, in solitary confinement for almost a decade. “It is shocking that a progressive state like New York has not one but two of the worst zoos for elephants in North America. Buffalo’s exhibit is a frigid fiasco, and the Bronx Zoo’s plans to keep Happy in solitary confinement until she dies are utterly vile” said In Defense of Animals President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. “We call on the Bronx and Buffalo Zoos to release these elephants from their desperate lives to a sanctuary where they can be with her own kind in a much more suitable environment.”

Perhaps this awareness will lead to a better 2016 for these poor creatures. You can read more here.

Dallas Zoo, Tex., Henry Doorly Zoo, Neb., and Sedgwick County Zoo, Kan.

Flickr photo via Brandi Korte

Natural Bridge Zoo, Vir.

Flickr photo via One World Conservation

Oklahoma City Zoo, Okla.

Flickr photo via Kool Cats Photography over

Wildlife Safari, Ore.

Flickr photo via Bruce Fingerhood

Buttonwood Park Zoo, Mass.

Flickr photo via Selbe Lynn

San Antonio Zoo, Tex.

Flickr photo via George Coller

Oregon Zoo, Ore.

Flickr photo via KaCey97078

Monterey Zoo, Calif.

Photo via Jovany Morales

Buffalo Zoo, N.Y.

Flickr photo via Maureen

Southwick’s Zoo, Mass.

Flickr photo via Eric Savage