VFTA Blog

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.

The recent fires in Los Angeles, particularly in Palisades, have left devastation in their wake. Homes have been lost, families have been displaced, and tragically, many animals have gone missing. At Voice For The Animals (VFTA), we have received an overwhelming number of calls and requests for help in locating lost pets. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we are deeply saddened for any animals that remain missing. Voice For The Animals has been working tirelessly to locate missing animals and reunite them with their owners.

Disasters like these serve as a stark reminder of the importance of pet identification and tracking. In emergency situations, having the right tools in place can mean the difference between reuniting with a beloved pet or losing them forever.