On Saturday, June 20, compassionate people around the world will unite to educate the public about the suffering of elephants in zoos, as part of the first-ever International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos. Events are taking place in more than 30 cities in seven countries. I strongly urge you to attend an event, if there’s one in your area. Visit HelpElephants.com to see a list of locations.

From some of the comments I’ve read in response to the issue of elephants in zoos, I’ve come to realize that people are just so used to seeing elephants in tiny displays that they accept that as being OK. But it isn’t. While a zoo exhibit may appear big to us, to an elephant it’s miniscule. And don’t forget that elephants are forced to live their entire lives in that same spot, deprived of all that is natural to them: space, freedom, family and choice. Many elephants develop serious health problems, abnormal behaviors (like the repetitive rocking and swaying you see in zoos) and die years before their time.

Here are a few updates on elephant campaigns I’ve been involved with:

Jenny is still at the Dallas Zoo, and they’ve brought in an elephant named Gypsy to be her companion. No one knows whether the two will get along or how Jenny will react. She is still standing in her barren exhibit, swaying her head over and over in a trance-like state. This girl needs to get to an elephant sanctuary where she can get the care and rehabilitation she needs.

Billy, the only elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo, is still living in solitary confinement. He’ll remain alone until the zoo completes its "white elephant" exhibit that still will not provide the space that elephants need, at a cost to taxpayers of $42 million. Even then, chances are Billy will be kept separate from any elephants brought into the exhibit. Sadly, this is a common fate for male elephants in zoos, who are doomed to solitary lives of frustration and boredom.

Earlier this year I spoke on behalf of the elephants at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle – Watoto, Chai and Bamboo. All three elephants are locked indoors in separate, tiny rooms for 17 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 7 months a year. That’s torture for an animal who in the wild walks tens of miles a day and is active for 20 out of 24 hours. And it has wreaked havoc on their feet and joints. Seattle elephant advocates have some upcoming events you can get involved in. Check out what’s coming by clicking here.

Please read my statement about elephants and the International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos by clicking here. Then take the pledge you’ll find on that page.

International experts and scientists have concluded that elephants just do not belong in zoos. You should too. It’s time to open our eyes and hearts to the plight of these suffering giants.

Watch the video below from the Friends of Woodland Park Zoo Elephants in Seattle.

Want to take action? Click here for more details about International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos.