San Antonio Zoo rejects claim it's 'worst for elephants'

A crowd gathers at the entrance of the San Antonio Zoo. A crowd gathers at the entrance of the San Antonio Zoo. Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, Express-News Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, Express-News Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close San Antonio Zoo rejects claim it's 'worst for elephants' 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Lucky, the San Antonio Zoo's lone elephant, may be less fortunate than her name suggests, according to an international animal rights organization that Wednesday dubbed the local park the “worst zoo for elephants” in North America.

Lucky, 53, has been at the local zoo since the age of 2, according to San Antonio Express-News archives. She's been kept alone since her penmate Boo, a 59-year-old Asian elephant, died last March.

The group, In Defense of Animals, calls the zoo's decision to keep Lucky “in solitary confinement” since Boo's death “stubborn and selfish” because elephants are “profoundly social animals.”

An online petition on thepetitionsite.com website had gained 11,250 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

San Antonio Zoo officials say that, despite being named the worst on the group's “Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants” for 2013, they believe the zoo's experienced veterinary staff is in a better position to determine conditions of its animals.

“We are firm believers that we know what's best for Lucky (rather) than whoever is putting the list together,” said spokeswoman Debbie Rios-Vanskike, adding that the zoo's focus isn't on a list but on what's best for all the animals in their care.

This is the sixth time in 10 years that the San Antonio Zoo makes the IDA's list of worst zoos for elephants.

In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization, also took issue with the size of Lucky's enclosure.

“The zoo is dumping $8 million into a centennial plaza aimed at making the place more fun for visitors, not more bearable for the animals,” the group wrote on its website.

The “Zootenial Plaza” will open to the public in March and commemorates the park's 100th year. The $8 million plaza will include a restaurant and custom-made carousel, according to its website.

There are a total of 27 elephants in zoos in Texas, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which accredits 223 zoos in the world. San Antonio's AZA accreditation is current, through March 2018.

Staff writer Diana Fuentes contributed to this report.

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