Ban urged on importing of zoo elephants

The charity said captive elephants were "suffering" and until welfare issues were addressed properly, no more should be bought to the UK.

The plea was made as a response to a new report, commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, about the welfare of elephants in zoos.

RSPCA scientist Dr Ros Clubb said: "We are extremely disappointed that the report did not recommend an outright ban on importing elephants to UK zoos.

"The RSPCA believes that until solutions to the extensive and serious welfare problems can be found we should not be introducing more elephants.

"Elephants are without question suffering in zoos.

"Adding yet more elephants to an ailing population simply masks the problems and if drastic improvements to these problems cannot be found, the RSPCA believes zoos should phase out elephant keeping."

Scientists have expressed concerns over elephants in zoos having high levels of obesity, behavioural abnormalities and higher infant mortality rates.

There are about 70 elephants in 13 zoos around the UK.