TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Two years after an unsuccessful effort, an animal rights group is renewing its fight to have two elephants moved from the Topeka Zoo to a Tennessee sanctuary.
Animal Outreach of Kansas has erected two billboards in Topeka as part of a campaign to convince the city to retire 49-year-old Sundra and 40-year-old Tembo. They want the animals sent to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn.
The group contends the zoo does not provide enough space, causing the elephants physical and emotional harm.
Zoo director Brendan Wiley said Wednesday that the zoo is proud of the care it gives the elephants.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that two years ago, the city council room was packed when the council rejected a similar effort to move the elephants.