By Canadian Press

New bill seeks to limit new captivity of elephants, apes in Canada

Nov 24, 2023 | 11:06 AM

OTTAWA — Canadian zoos won’t be able to bring in new elephants or apes under new federal legislation introduced this week, except under specific circumstances.

Bill S-15 looks to ban all new captivity of the species except where a licence is granted for conservation, research or an animal’s best interest.

It will also fully bar the use of elephants and apes as entertainment, though that does not currently include exhibits where people can ride on an elephant.

Saskatchewan Sen. Marty Klyne is sponsoring the bill in the Senate and says it can and should lead to the “world’s first nationally legislated phase-out of elephant captivity.”

There are more than 20 elephants and approximately 30 apes in captivity in Canada currently.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Klyne says elephants and apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans, are self-aware, highly intelligent creatures, and yet in Canada, they can be held in captivity even without a licence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2023.

The Canadian Press