Zoo officials say unsocial elephant is being well cared for

SEATTLE – Woodland Park Zoo attorneys have asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit by an animal rights group that claims an unsocial elephant should be relocated.

Zoo officials “vigorously dispute” claims that they are not providing sufficient care for 39-year-old Bamboo, the lawyers said in a court filing Friday.

The Asian elephant was transferred last summer to the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma because she didn’t get along with some of the elephants in Seattle. But after more than a year, she still didn’t fit in with the two elephants in Tacoma and was returned to Seattle.

“We are proud of the world-class care and treatment afforded all our zoo’s animals, including Bamboo and our other elephants that reside and socialize in our award-winning Elephant Forest exhibit,” zoo officials said in a statement.

The Northwest Animal Rights Network filed suit this month in King County Superior Court, claiming the zoo was failing to provide Bamboo space. The group wants Bamboo moved to a sanctuary in Tennessee – a move the zoo opposes.

“Although we appreciate the philosophical and political debate about elephants in zoos, and recognize plaintiffs’ sensitivity to the issue, our motion to dismiss is being made because the plaintiffs have not presented a valid legal case,” the zoo statement said.