Mexico's Supreme Court has issued a groundbreaking ruling, mandating the San Juan de Aragon zoo in Mexico City to enhance the living conditions of Ely, an African elephant. Estimated to be between 43 and 45 years old, Ely has resided at the zoo for 13 years following her rescue from a circus in 2012. This decision marks a historic moment, as it is the first time the nation's highest court has intervened in favor of an animal, which could pave the way for recognizing animal rights in Mexico.
Ely's journey at the zoo has been challenging. Upon her arrival, she suffered from a mobility issue with her rear right leg and nutritional deficiencies due to a poor diet. Advocates have also raised concerns about Ely's mental health, especially after the death of Maggie, another elephant who shared her habitat, in 2016. The loss led to behaviors like banging against enclosure walls and weight loss, sparking public outcry for improved conditions.
In response to mounting pressure, the zoo expanded Ely's enclosure to over 78,000 square feet and introduced two more elephants in 2023 and 2024 to enhance her social environment. A dedicated team of six individuals maintains the cleanliness of her habitat while another group of six closely monitors her health.
Diana Valencia, an advocate, expressed her emotional response to Ely's plight:
"It really moved me to see the state that she was in, it tore my soul and I made Ely a promise," – Diana Valencia
“They aren’t going to do the same to you” – Diana Valencia
The court's decision not only seeks to improve Ely's immediate living conditions but also signifies a potential shift in how animal rights are perceived in Mexico. Sergio Méndez Silva, an expert in animal rights law, highlighted the significance of this ruling:
“Mexico is taking a significant step with a precedent like this and I believe this will mark a before and after” – Sergio Méndez Silva
The zoo has already made strides in response to Ely's situation. Improvements were implemented after public pressure, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of animal welfare.
