The Supreme Court of Mexico issued its first ruling of this nature on Wednesday, requiring a zoo in Mexico City to improve the well-being of an African elephant named Ely, according to a report from Euronews.

Animal rights activists have claimed that Ely has been severely affected by the loss of her companion Maggie, who passed away in 2016. Animal rights activist Diana Valencia described Ely as feeling abandoned, desolate, and chronically ill.

Although she acknowledges that she lacks scientific expertise, Valencia believes that animals do have a voice, one that is often ignored by people. Ely has been residing in the San Juan de Aragon zoo since her rescue from a circus 13 years ago.

The decision by a panel of four justices was consistent with a lower court’s ruling issued last year in favor of Ely, with potential implications for animal rights in Mexico. While Valencia acknowledges that improvements have been made to Ely’s living conditions, she maintains that these changes were only made after public pressure was applied.

The zoo expanded Ely’s habitat and introduced two more elephants in 2023 and 2024. Nevertheless, veterinarian Gabriela Uribe Acosta, director of the zoo’s Centre for Wildlife Conservation, dismissed claims of Ely’s depression and stated that her condition has improved since the other elephants were added. She expressed her confidence in the zoo’s ability to adhere to the court’s ruling.

Valencia admired Ely’s resilience, noting her ability to endure over 25 years of captivity, both in the circus and the zoo.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/02/27/mexicos-top-court-orders-zoo-to-take-better-care-of-african-elephant/