the lone elephant of Yerevan zoo
Our mission is to secure better living conditions for Bunka in a sanctuary that provides a natural environment and recognises his need for space and company
When I first saw Bunka, a small Asian male elephant, in Yerevan Zoo (Armenia) in early 2021, I felt immediately his sense of despair and helplessness of loneliness.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. As zoos across the world surrender their elephants to sanctuaries due to the increasing understanding that they suffer psychological and physical harm in captivity, options exist for a better life for Bunka, in sanctuary.
With greater space to roam in, water to bathe in, the chance to scratch against trees, eat when he feels hungry, and ultimately, the companionship of his own kind, Bunka could live something approximating to a more normal life. He may never be truly free but he could be happy and content with his life. This is our vision for Bunka.
Mark Stratton
Elephants suffer in captivity
Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals. They experience considerable physical suffering and psychological distress as a result of being confined in zoo enclosures. This manifests in exhibiting unnatural and repetitive (stereotypic) behaviour, higher infant mortality, and reduced lifespans. Zoos cannot address the needs of elephants adequately due to lack of space, stimulation and often dedicated care
The world increasingly recognises the needs of captive elephants
In recent years, from Pakistan and Argentina to Alaska, Canada and the United States, legal systems are begining to recognise that captive animals, especially elephants, have rights and are entitled to better lives in keeping with their nature. In response, sanctuaries are expanding to offer alternatives and educate a growing audience about the plight of captive elephants in zoos
“Being kind to animals is not enough. Avoiding cruelty is not enough. Housing animals in more comfortable, larger cages is not enough. Whether we exploit animals to eat, to wear, to entertain us, or to learn, the truth of animal rights requires empty cages, not larger cages.”
Tom Regan