VFTA Blog

The Growing Movement to Relocate Captive Elephants to Sanctuaries

The landscape of elephant care in captivity is undergoing a significant transformation. Zoos across the United States are increasingly recognizing that traditional enclosures cannot meet the complex physical, social, and psychological needs of elephants. This realization has led to a series of relocations of these majestic animals to expansive sanctuaries designed to provide environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.

The Future of Zoos: How Virtual Reality Can Revolutionize Wildlife Experiences

For centuries, zoos have been seen as places of education and wonder—where people, especially children, could see animals up close. But as our understanding of animal welfare has evolved, so too must the way we experience wildlife. The confinement of large, intelligent animals like elephants is no longer necessary when cutting-edge technology offers a more ethical and immersive alternative: Virtual Reality (VR) exhibits.

Elephants are among the most intelligent and social creatures on Earth, thriving in large family groups in the wild. These bonds are essential for their emotional well-being, providing support, learning opportunities, and security. Yet in captivity, many elephants are housed in unnaturally small groups—or even alone—leading to severe behavioral and psychological distress.

Decades of observation have shown that elephants in zoos often display signs of stress and frustration, such as repetitive swaying, pacing, or head-bobbing. These behaviors are not seen in healthy wild elephants but are common among those deprived of their natural social structures. The root of the problem? Small enclosures, lack of proper companionship, and conditions that fail to meet their complex needs.

Even as public awareness grows, many zoos continue to keep elephants in environments that do not support their well-being. Some institutions claim to be making improvements, but the fundamental issue remains: captivity can never replicate the rich, dynamic lives that elephants experience in the wild.

Cats continue to inspire and captivate us, whether on the big screen, in literature, or in our own homes. This month, we’re highlighting a groundbreaking animated film, a heartfelt book about the human-animal bond, and some special dates to celebrate our feline friends.

CIRCUSES: A CRUEL SPECTACLE THAT TEACHES THE WRONG LESSONS
By Melya Kaplan

For generations, animal-based circuses have been promoted as wholesome family entertainment. Children marvel at elephants balancing on stools, lions leaping through fiery hoops, and bears riding bicycles. But what are we really teaching them?

Melya Kaplan, founder of Voice For The Animals, has long warned about the hidden cruelty behind the spectacle. Circuses teach children that wild animals—who belong in their natural habitats—can be caged, dominated, and forced to perform tricks solely for human amusement. The unspoken message? That power and control over others are acceptable as long as it’s entertaining.

Few people stop to ask: How do these animals learn to perform? Why does a lion obey a trainer’s commands? The reality is chilling—wild animals do not perform willingly. They are coerced through fear, intimidation, and violence.