USDA evaluating complaint over elephant care at Six Flags Great Adventure
World Animal Protection alleges five African elephants at the Jackson park lack sufficient shade. Six Flags says it stands behind its care and complies with federal animal welfare law.
World Animal Protection is asking federal regulators to investigate the treatment of elephants at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, alleging the park does not provide sufficient shade for the animals.
The animal welfare organization filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Sept. 15, citing aerial imagery it said was taken in August. The group alleges five African elephants are kept in an enclosure that appears to lack sufficient natural or artificial shade.
The group says the conditions violate federal animal welfare regulations requiring sufficient shade when sunlight is likely to cause animals to overheat or experience discomfort.
The USDA confirmed to News 12 that it received the complaint and will evaluate whether it can substantiate noncompliance.
“We did receive the complaint and will evaluate it to determine if we can substantiate a noncompliance and address it through our established inspection and enforcement processes,” USDA spokesperson Tanya Espinosa said.
World Animal Protection asked the USDA to ensure the elephants are provided with adequate shade. The group acknowledged there is a barn in the enclosure but argued it is not an adequate substitute for a shade structure.
Six Flags defended its care of the elephants.
“The health and wellbeing of our animals remains a top priority, and we unequivocally stand behind the care we provide,” a Six Flags Great Adventure spokesperson said in a statement to News 12. “Six Flags Great Adventure is fully compliant with the Animal Welfare Act and undergoes regular inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”
The park also said its elephants have access to indoor and outdoor environments, professional veterinary care, enrichment and husbandry practices designed to support their well-being.
