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Disney's Animal Kingdom criticized for elephant treatment

Photo courtesy Disney
Photo courtesy Disney

An animal rights group ranks Disney's Animal Kingdom among the worst zoos in North America for its treatment of elephants.

The Animal Kingdom ranks 10th on the list compiled by In Defense of Animals.

The theme park is cited for the deaths in July of a pregnant elephant named Moyo and her unborn calf.

The group says the elephants died of birth complications after moving to another center.

In Defense of Animals says zoos typically don't move pregnant elephants because it's too stressful for them.

Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia tops the list.

Also on the list are Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in California and the Bronx Zoo in New York.

Walt Disney World had no immediate comment.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.