Arizona: Phoenix Park Zoo

This first-time IDAEZ event was a great success, drawing more than a dozen activists who educated zoo customers on the facts about elephants in captivity, and the plight of Reba, Indu and Sheena at the Phoenix Zoo.

California: Los Angeles Zoo

In the largest demonstration ever at this zoo, more than 60 people turned out to inform the public about the plight of elephants in zoos. Activists held eye-catching signs and a colorful banner, handed out hundreds of flyers, and engaged zoo-goers in conversation about the cruelty of keeping the zoo's only elephant, Billy, in cruel solitary confinement for more than four years. Media covered this second-time IDAEZ event.

California: San Diego Zoo

Elephant advocates held their second successful IDAEZ event at this zoo, which holds 9 elephants on just 2.5 acres. The event garnered great media coverage, ensuring that even more people got the message about the suffering of elephants in zoos.

California (Vallejo): Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

More than 30 people showed up to advocate for the closure of the elephant exhibit and transfer of the park?s five long-suffering elephants to a natural habitat sanctuary. Advocates wore Six Flags elephant campaign t-shirts donated by a generous and talented volunteer who also supplied matching stickers to hand out to children. More than 2,000 flyers were distributed in two hours, making this second-time IDAEZ event a huge success.

District of Columbia: Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington)

A great turnout of close to 25 people made this event a huge success, highlighting the concern that DC citizens have for elephants and captive animal issues. The only DC protest to rival this second-time IDAEZ event in numbers is opening night for Ringling Bros. Circus. In fact, the National Zoo and Ringling both use the same archaic training method that relies on cruel bullhooks and physical punishment to control elephants. Activists met zoo customers at the main entrance and gave away at least 300 flyers in just an hour. Be on the lookout for expanded outreach for elephants in the future!

Florida: Central Florida Zoo (Sanford)

At least 20 caring activists turned out to raise awareness and urge zoo customers to support sending lone elephant Maude to a sanctuary and not another zoo. (After the death of her cage-mate, Mary, the zoo will no longer keep elephants.) This second-time IDAEZ event received TV and print coverage. Organizers plan to build on the success of this event and hold more protests. You can visit a specially created Facebook tribute page for Maude at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=130873796942062&oid=129263517095184

Florida: Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa)

This successful event drew 16 dedicated elephant advocates who endured the blazing hot Florida sun to hand out flyers and educate the public for two hours. Their inspiration? They realized that their two hours of discomfort is nothing compared to what the elephants endure every single day in the zoo. The second-time IDAEZ event received media coverage.

Illinois: Brookfield Zoo (Chicago)

Elephant activists prevailed over challenging logistics at this suburban zoo and effectively reached out to zoo customers and passersby, informing them of the detrimental effects of confinement on Earth?s largest land mammals. Protesters stood on three of four corners at a busy intersection, held up signs, got lots of supportive honks from passing motorists, and handed out many flyers. Brookfield Zoo holds a lone elephant, Joyce. This is the second IDAEZ event at this zoo.

Massachusetts: Southwick's Zoo (Mendon)

For this first-time IDAEZ event at the Southwick Zoo, nearly 10 devoted elephant advocates withstood blistering hot temperatures for three and a half hours to stand up for elephants in zoos. This facility uses an elephant named Dondi for performances and rides during the summer. Event participants held signs and distributed many flyers to receptive zoo customers who agreed that it was disturbing to watch Dondi walk around in circles. Zoo volunteers asked questions and appeared to be re-thinking their position on this issue.

Massachusetts: Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford)

More than a dozen elephant advocates from Connecticut and Massachusetts protested at the main entrance to the zoo. An antique fire truck giving rides around town passed by 20 times, with 20 different groups of passengers. People were very receptive to hearing about the plight of elephants Ruth and Emily. Many started out with the view that "the elephants have been here for so long!" and ended with the view that perhaps they've been there more than long enough! This is the second IDAEZ event at this zoo.

Missouri: Kansas City Zoo

The first-time IDAEZ helped educate zoo customers about the inadequate conditions in which the elephants are kept and the detrimental effects on their welfare. The Kansas City Zoo holds 7 African elephants.

Missouri: St. Louis Zoo

At least ten committed elephant activists, including families and youngsters, made a difference for the elephants by leafleting and engaging the public in conversation about the serious problems the elephants face at this zoo. Most people agreed that the elephants lack adequate space, and many questioned the zoo and its priorities relative to animal welfare. A visual highlight was two human "pregnant elephants" who held a sign that read "Don't Breed for Greed." This is the second IDAEZ event at the St. Louis Zoo.

New Mexico: Rio Grande Zoo (Albuquerque)

For the second year, committed activists successfully leafleted and educated zoo customers about the plight of the elephants. Like other urban zoos, the Rio Grande simply does not have enough space for the six Asian elephants it confines.

New York: Bronx Zoo

From three states and 200 miles away, concerned elephant activists came to the Bronx Zoo in New York City to speak up for Happy, Patty and Maxine. The elephants can only be viewed from the Asia Monorail ($4 extra), which speeds by their small yard, giving riders less than 61 seconds to observe them. Event attendees handed out IDAEZ leaflets to receptive zoo-goers and passersby, many of whom were shocked to hear that the renowned Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society provides such paltry accommodations for the Earth's largest land mammals.

Oregon: Oregon Zoo (Portland)

About 20 activists attended this second IDAEZ event, spreading the word about the zoo?s inhumane circus-style training that relies on physical punishment and use of the bullhook to control the elephants, even calves like Samudra. The zoo?s deputy director, Mike Keele, testified as a paid expert witness in defense of Ringling Bros. Circus in a federal trial on Ringling's abusive treatment of elephants. Though the zoo is to renovate its elephant exhibit, it still will not provide enough space for Earth's largest land mammals.

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Zoo

Over a dozen Philly-area activists showed up in support of elephants held captive in zoos. This second IDAEZ event featured large signs, tables and displays, including a large, stuffed "crying" elephant, to help bring attention to the elephants' plight. IDAEZ participants gave out hundreds of flyers and had countless conversations with interested zoo-goers about the status of elephants Kallie and Bette, who are currently languishing in pens of a few acres in a breeding-holding facility outside of Pittsburgh.

South Carolina: Greenville Zoo

Holding its second IDAEZ event, elephant advocates successfully educated the public about the tragic effects of keeping elephants in inadequate zoo displays. Several people told event participants that after reading one of the IDAEZ leaflets, seeing the "Elephants Suffer in Zoos" signs, and then observing the elephants at the Greenville Zoo with a critical eye, they would never again support the zoo.

Texas: Dallas Zoo

More than 20 elephant advocates braved the afternoon Texas heat, holding signs and distributing flyers to zoo customers. The event received great media coverage, spreading the message that elephants can?t be elephants in urban zoo exhibits. This is the second highly successful year for this IDAEZ event, and everyone is looking forward to doing it again next year!

Texas: San Antonio Zoo

More than 50 people of all ages attended this second IDAEZ event, donning t-shirts specially designed by noted San Antonio artist Ray Chavez and signature pink "Lucky" shirts. Holding colorful signs and banners (including one made by school children in Ithaca, NY, that later will be presented to mayor Julian Castro), elephant advocates educated the public about the plight of elephants Lucky and Boo (also known as Queenie). Despite the intense heat, the activists stayed well beyond the event's scheduled time. They came together united by their common goal of helping elephants and left as friends, planning to reunite for next year's IDAEZ event. Multiple TV stations covered the demo.

Virginia: Natural Bridge Zoo

This first-time event had a great turnout, raising awareness and opening people?s eyes to the cruelty of keeping a solitary elephant, Asha, who is used for rides and controlled through use of circus-style training and the bullhook. The zoo was obviously nervous about the protest and the scrutiny that it drew to its indefensible practices. The event received important media attention and activists are fired up to continue their efforts to help Asha.

Washington: Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)

Bad weather didn't deter the 30 committed elephant advocates who held signs and banners and leafleted zoo customers, educating them about the suffering that Watoto, Chai and Bamboo endure and urging their release to a spacious natural-habitat sanctuary. Activists also handed out a special kid-friendly booklet on the plight of the elephants. This is the second IDAEZ event at this zoo.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Canada: Edmonton Valley Zoo

Elephant advocates turned out to distribute flyers and educate zoo customers about Lucy, who is held in solitary and suffers from captivity-caused foot disease, arthritis and psychological distress exhibited through repetitive rocking and swaying. At one point, IDAEZ participants dramatically marched through the parking lot, stopping at the zoo entrance. Media covered this IDAEZ event, which is the second at Edmonton Zoo.

Canada: Toronto Zoo

More than 20 activists attended this IDAEZ event, handing out numerous flyers and getting the word out about the Toronto Zoo, where the elephants are dying at an unprecedented rate. Zoo customers were urged to support closing the elephant exhibit, rather than spend millions on a renovation that still won't meet the elephants? needs. This is Toronto's second IDAEZ event.

France: Montpellier

Animal Liberation in Montpellier, France, CLAM, hung photos and posters, distributed hundreds of flyers, and talked to the public about the plight of elephants in captivity. Photos depicting the violent training of baby elephants drew a strong response. Many people expressed their thanks, and some even expressed interest in joining future demonstrations. This is Montpellier?s first IDAEZ event.

South Africa: Johannesburg Zoo

Turnout for the first-ever IDAEZ event at the Johannesburg Zoo was impressive. Holding signs proclaiming ?Lammie and Kinkel Are Suffering? and "This Is NOT Conservation," activists lined the entryway into the zoo. Zoo customers could not resist taking informative flyers from the youngest member of the group, Kira.

United Kingdom: Blackpool Zoo

Dedicated advocates distributed leaflets about the inhumane conditions for elephants at this zoo. Event organizers report that they will continue to leaflet at the zoo regularly during the busy summer months and expect to hand out thousands of flyers. Blackpool is the biggest tourist resort in Europe, giving activists the opportunity to educate a large number of people. This is the first IDAEZ event at this zoo.