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Animal abuse happens in many ways...case in point - Tucson, Arizona:

To Whom It May Concern,

I recently learned of the possible separation of the two elephants at Reid Park Zoo in order to complete the transfer of a small herd of African elephants currently residing at the San Diego Safari Park(formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park) to the Reid Park Zoo to begin a breeding program. I worked at the Wild Animal Park as an elephant trainer/keeper for approximately four and one-half years in the mid-eighties working with both the African and Asian herds. I also received my degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. Separating the elephants at Reid Park after approximately thirty years of companionship is both cruel and at the very least bordering on animal abuse. It also shows the obvious lack of knowledge concerning elephant psychology and social structure and the resulting emotional trauma they will go through. I was able to witness first-hand the result of this standard behavior between zoos. In 2003, the last three African elephants that I worked with in San Diego, were transferred from their home of over twenty-five years to the sometimes bitter cold and cramped quarters of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in order to provide a home for the newly acquired African herd for which the San Diego Zoological Society paid millions to acquire. In just over approximately one and on-half years all three were dead. It was sad to go there weekly and slowly watch them die. Psychological trauma is just as debilitating as physical trauma and any "expert" who tells you differently is lying or just lacking in knowledge. If the Reid Park Zoo continues to proceed with this transfer, I predict that at least one or both of the elephants will die within a short period of time. I urge you to reconsider. The negative response from the public after what tragically happened at the Lincoln Park Zoo was tremendous, resulting in the Zoo formally announcing that they would never house elephants again. The public is much wiser these days and I trust that you will listen to them.

Regards,
x.x. Ryan

The San Diego Zoo is equally guilty in this utter abuse of animals.