8th July 2025

Today, Freedom for Animals is releasing an important new report, “The Unnatural Lives of Elephants in Captivity: The Case of Dublin Zoo”.

Co-authored by leading elephant experts - Dr. Rob Atkinson, Dr. Keith Lindsay and past director of Freedom for Animals, Dr. Andrew Kelly - the report calls on the UK and Irish governments to phase out the keeping of elephants in UK and Irish zoos, starting with an immediate ban on the breeding and import of elephants.

The findings from the report outline the reasons why elephants do not belong in zoos; presenting important evidence of elephant suffering, both physical and psychological, and premature death.

Although the report presents Dublin Zoo as a case study, delving into the litany of animal welfare and mismanagement issues evident there, the findings apply equally to both UK and European zoos.

To read the full report, and for more information on the key findings, please visit out 'Investigation' page HERE.

There are so many ways you can help take action for elephants today. Click HERE to find out more.