It’s difficult to know the exact number of elephants kept in zoos around the world, as the population can vary over time due to births, deaths, and transfers between facilities. However, it is estimated that there are several hundred elephants in zoos worldwide.
Captivity away from their herd is possibly the cruelest thing an animal like an elephant can suffer from since elephants are both highly intelligent and highly social. Captivity can cause them to suffer from trauma as well as stress.
This video shows Rhea, an elephant who had been held in a zoo for almost 53 years in an Indian circus. However, she finally got her freedom after years of capture. When she came to her sisters Sita and Mia, she was received with loving greetings.
The malnourished animal seemed to be happier than ever. This is one of the most heartwarming things on the internet. Watch the full video below and please leave us a Facebook comment to let us know what you thought!
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