Canada shelves pledge to phase out elephant captivity

Once a staple of a trip to the zoo, elephant entertainment is largely a thing of the past. But in Canada, dozens are still in captivity and a move to end that has stalled again. And unfortunately, since the election occurred, we haven't seen any movement on this front. I think there is very broad support for this kind of legislation Six years ago, late Senator Murray Sinclair pushed for the Jane Goodall Act, teaming up with the primatologist. A similar Bill S-15 cleared the Senate. Bill S-15 intends to gradually phase out captivity. But died when Parliament was prorogued last year. Earlier this year, a group of zoos and advocates asked for it to be resurrected, but in a letter, Environment Minister Julie de Bruyn would not commit, writing, the broader legislative agenda is influenced by a range of factors. The law would have ended future possession and breeding of elephants and great apes and their export and import, except for conservation purposes. I think it's incumbent on them to explain more to Canadians if they're backing away from this and why. This news comes despite a renewed pledge on the campaign trail last year. Please protect Canadian animals. That is, Karen, that is exactly the right thing. Considering about two dozen elephants are living in Canada. 19 are believed to be at African Lion Safari near Hamilton, Ontario, but two were exported to the U.S. this year, according to Environment Canada. Because the Carney government is so focused on development and economic issues, that's going to make this look not as attractive to them. Though this animal law professor says most of the work on this law has already been done. It would be very low-hanging fruit for them to just sort of like pick it up, dust it off. In a statement to CBC News, De Bruyn's office said no further decision has been made regarding the future of this bill, but did not give a reason. Lisa Xing, CBC News, Toronto.