Dear John,
Jade was born in 2007 at the Saint Louis Zoo. From the moment of her birth until today, her life has been defined by confinement.
At just 17 years old, she was impregnated through artificial insemination—an invasive procedure designed not for her well-being, but to fulfill the zoo’s breeding and exhibition goals. On November 23, 2024, she gave birth to her calf, Jet.
The zoo celebrated Jet’s birth as a success. But Jade’s ability to parent has never been in her control, and the circumstances of Jet’s birth are yet another instance of her freedom being stripped away. For Jet, it means another generation condemned to a lifetime of captivity.
Zoos want the public to believe they’re protecting elephants, but forcing generations of elephants to live in small and unnatural environments where they’ll suffer psychological and physiological distress isn’t “protection.” Jade is not treated as an individual with complex needs, but as a biological asset to be bred, displayed, and controlled for profit and exhibition.
This is an injustice, and it must change.
Add your name to our Pledge to End Exploitation today, and help us demand a future of freedom and sanctuary for elephants like Jade and Jet.
