H.R. 3456: Captivity of Helpless Elephants Reduction Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Captivity of Helpless Elephants Reduction Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Animal Welfare Act with the primary goals of prohibiting the captivity of African and Asian elephants in zoological and safari parks across the United States. The key points of the bill include:

Findings

• Elephants have complex social structures and behaviors, thriving in herds and demonstrating high cognitive abilities.
• Captivity in parks leads to physical and psychological harm to elephants, significantly reducing their lifespan compared to wild counterparts.
• The care costs for elephants in captivity can be substantial, and many zoos have already phased out or shut down their elephant exhibits due to ethical concerns.
• Various countries have enacted similar bans on elephant captivity, recognizing the ethical implications of keeping elephants in confined spaces.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the bill is to:

• Ban the display, husbandry, and breeding of African and Asian elephants in zoological parks and safari parks.
• Transfer existing elephants in these facilities to authorized wildlife sanctuaries that are better equipped to provide for their needs.

Prohibition on Elephant Captivity

• After one year of the bill's enactment, no zoological or safari parks may exhibit or breed African or Asian elephants.
• All elephants currently in captivity must be transferred to accredited wildlife sanctuaries within three years of the bill's enactment.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for:

• African elephant: Defined according to the African Elephant Conservation Act.
• Authorized wildlife sanctuary: A non-profit facility focused on the lifelong care of elephants, not engaged in breeding or profit-driven exhibitions.
• Zoological park: Facilities that exhibit live animals for educational or entertainment purposes, such as traditional zoos and aquariums.
• Safari park: Facilities where animals are housed in larger enclosures, allowing for a more natural viewing experience for visitors.

Implementation and Support

• A feasibility study is to be conducted to evaluate the logistics and costs of transferring elephants to sanctuaries.
• A grant program may be established to assist sanctuaries in accommodating transferred elephants.
• Public education initiatives will be developed to inform the public about the welfare benefits of this legislation.

Relevant Companies

None found.