Elephant retirement
The Virginia Zoo missed an opportunity to give its elephants, Cita and Lisa, the retirement they deserve after decades in captivity (Two African elephants moving to South Florida for their golden years, April 19). They deserve to go to a sanctuary where they have space to roam, relationships with a group of elephants, and the chance to be away from constant public scrutiny.
Instead, they’ve been sold to Zoo Miami, where they will continue to stand in front of crowds, as nothing more than an attraction to boost zoo profits. Shame on the Virginia Zoo for sentencing Cita and Lisa to live out the rest of their lives in captivity. They should get to enjoy their golden years in peace.
Kate Dylewsky, Washington, D.C.
This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 9:10 AM with the headline "Elephant retirement."