Mila was originally called Jumbo, and was in a circus owned by Tony Ratcliffe. Years of campaigning by SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation) and others eventually led to the release of Jumbo into the care of Franklin Zoo.
According to the SAFE website...
"SAFE campaigned for over two decades to free Mila (then called Jumbo) from her miserable circus life with the intention of moving her to a specialized elephant sanctuary. Franklin Zoo is currently fund raising to pay for the care of Mila and for her eventual relocation to a refuge where she will at last have the opportunity to be with other elephants."
(source: http://www.safe.org.nz/Campaigns/Free-Jumbo-Campaign)
Jumbo was renamed Mila following her release and was sent to Franklin Zoo in 2009.
On 25 April 2012, two years later after the elephant arrived, Dr Helen Schofield died from injuries received from Mila in her enclosure. The Zoo revised it's time frame for releasing Mila to "June 2013 as the date Mila will leave for her new home."
Then there was this press release from Franklin Zoo:
Mila the elephant heading to the US
10 October 2012In the press release, the Zoo said "It is hoped that Mila will be ready to travel to her new home by March or April 2013".
It's now the end of April 2013 and Mila is still here. You have to ask: What the hell is going on?? Three years after her release from the circus and this poor elephant is still alone.
This terrible story was again on Campbell Live this evening. Sounds like the Zoo is still miles away from resettling Mila. It's just not good enough! They have had three years and still this animal languishes.
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