Elephants taken away from man’s care
The U.S. Agriculture Department has issued a complaint against the elephant handler from Texas, who was the former owner of Tina and Jewel, two Asian elephants now living and owned by the San Diego Zoo.
Wilbur Davenport of Livingston, Texas, is charged for breaking the federal Animal Welfare Act by not giving the animals proper and sufficient veterinary care, he took care of the elephants in such a way that put both the elephants and the public in danger. He failed to give the animals proper facilities and care and stopped federal agents from getting in contact with the elephants.
A USDA complaint signed in September, stated that Davenport did not provide the elephants with enough warmth or healthy food.
In August, federal officials took away Tina and Jewel from Davenport’s care and transferred them to the San Diego Zoo for veterinary care.
The agency left another elephant, Queenie, with Davenport. Davenport gave up his USDA exhibitor’s license to the federal agents but still has the third elephant.
