Zoo trio held in elephant beating probe

Leicestershire Police said three men had been arrested and questioned in connection with the unnecessary suffering of an elephant at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.

The offence happened last month, a force spokeswoman confirmed. The men were released on police bail, pending further inquiries, she added.

A spokesman for Twycross Zoo said two elephants had been mistreated, including a 28-year-old female Asian elephant called Tonzi. He added that three members of staff had been dismissed.

The elephants are well and continue to be on public show, he said.

In a statement, the zoo said: “This case involved rogue individuals, acting in complete disregard to their moral, contractual and legal requirements. Everyone at the zoo is extremely upset at their actions.”