Judge dismisses suit about zoo elephants

King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector dismissed a lawsuit Monday brought by local animal-rights activists against Woodland Park Zoo and the city of Seattle.

The Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN) and two private citizens sued in June, accusing the zoo of violating the federal Endangered Species Act and the State Environmental Policy Act with its treatment of elephants at the zoo.






Valerie Bittner, NARN's attorney, said the zoo's oldest elephant, Bamboo, was experiencing "elephant psychological breakdown" because of improper care and lack of space in its one-acre yard. NARN sought to get Bamboo moved to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she could roam more than 2,000 acres.

Spector dismissed all the claims against the city, the zoo, its directors and staff, saying they had no merit — except for the claim filed under the Endangered Species Act, which the judge ruled belongs under the jurisdiction of federal court.

Bittner said NARN will consider pursuing its case in federal court if it can raise the funds.

In a press release, the zoo said Bamboo and its three other elephants were healthy and thriving.

References:seattletimes