Activists and zoo accreditation bodies believe African Lion Safari was the only site in Canada offering elephant rides. African Lion Safari refused CBC's request for an interview, but said in a statement the zoo permanently stopped elephant rides in 2019. "African Lion Safari has always been and remains in full compliance of all CAZA standards that govern our park," African Lion Safari stated. U.S. group says elephant rides dangerousCAZA's American counterpart, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), hasn't allowed any of its 241 accredited facilities to offer elephant rides since 2011. WATCH | The AZA explain why it banned elephant rides among its members:Why AZA calls elephant rides an 'artifact of the past' CBC News Hamilton 1:14 Dan Ashe, CEO of U.S.-based Association of Zoos and Aquariums, speaks about why his group banned elephant rides in 2011.

Source: CBC News July 22, 2021 07:52 UTC