Animal Advocates Renew Push to Relocate Emily, Massachusetts’ Last Elephant, to Sanctuary

Animal advocates are once again working to relocate Emily, the Asian elephant at New Bedford's Buttonwood Park Zoo, to an elephant sanctuary where she could spend the rest of her life with other elephants. However, based on past experiences, they are facing a significant challenge.

The Argument for Sanctuary Retirement

Emily is the last living elephant remaining in Massachusetts.

WGBH.org reported, "The national advocacy group In Defense of Animals says it has gotten more than 24,000 signatures on a petition calling for the City of New Bedford, which owns the zoo, to allow Emily to live out her remaining years at an elephant sanctuary."

New Bedford Officials and Zoo Leadership Defend Current Care

Emily, now 62, has spent most of the last 58 years in New Bedford, and if Mayor Jon Mitchell has anything to say about it, she'll be going nowhere anytime soon.

"Buttonwood Park Zoo's inhabitants receive excellent care from the Zoo's professional and skillful staff," Mitchell told WBSM in an email statement on Saturday.

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"Federal judges have said the same while ruling in the city's favor in specious lawsuits regarding elephant care, noting the 'consistent and high-quality veterinary care' and how BPZoo 'attracted a cadre of dedicated, professional, empathetic, and innovative zookeepers; and had employed top-notch veterinarians wherever necessary,'" Mitchell said.

Buttonwood Park Zoo Director Shara Rapoza said in a statement to WBSM, "The average life expectancy of an Asian elephant in professional care is approximately 47 years, making Emily's longevity a testament to the care she has received throughout her life."

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Emily's longtime companion Ruth, another Asian elephant, passed away in 2024 a few months after entering hospice care, and In Defense of Animals and others say Buttonwood Park is not a "suitable home" for Emily alone.

READ MORE: New Bedford to Memorialize Beloved Zoo Elephant Ruth

"We recognize that elephants are highly social animals and that, generally, they thrive in social groups," Rapoza said. "However, Emily has demonstrated throughout her life a strong preference for the companionship of her human care team."

"I have had the privilege of knowing Emily for 30 years, and I remain deeply committed to doing what is best for her. Every decision we make is centered on her welfare, her individual needs, and her quality of life," she said.

A Changing Landscape for Zoo Elephants

Earlier this year, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence announced it was relocating its three African elephants to a retirement sanctuary in Tennessee.

Buttonwood Park Zoo discontinued its elephant program in 2016. "Emily will be the last elephant to call Buttonwood Park Zoo home," Rapoza said.