Asian elephants are endangered species--in danger of going extinct. Keeping them in a space the equivalent of a closet to a human causes them stress and cripples them both physically and psychologically.
Ruth & Emily have been captive for over 50 years. The last 36 years they have been held by Buttonwood Park Zoo, owned by the City of New Bedford, MA.
For the second time, Joyce Rowley, founder of the Friends of Ruth & Emily Inc., sued the City under the Endangered Species Act seeking their removal to a climate- and spatially- appropriate facility. (Cn 21-cv-11649, US. District Court, Boston, MA.)
The City is unwilling to release the elephants and claims that they have not been injured by their captivity.
Clearly Ruth & Emily have suffered injuries caused by their living conditions and poor care. But to prove this, Rowley must be able to question the City's witnesses under oath.
This is called a "deposition," and it is performed in front of a court stenographer/reporter who is an officer of the court.
The Friends are raising funds for at least three depositions of approximately $2,000 each.
Please consider making a donation to help get Ruth & Emily out of the Zoo and into a safe Refuge!
