International Elephant Foundation
Encyclopedia
The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Formed by individuals and institutions, IEF is dedicated to the conservation of African and Asian Elephants worldwide.
In November 1998, Michael invited nine representatives from zoos, private elephant facilities, circuses and a university to Fort Worth, Texas to discuss how a foundation could significantly enhance current conservation efforts. From this first organizational meeting the International Elephant Foundation was born. The IEF was incorporated in 1999.
In testimony in U.S. District Court, Ringling Brothers CEO Kenneth Feld acknowledged that elephants are struck behind the ears, under the chin and on their legs with metal tipped prods, called bull hooks. Feld stated that these practices are necessary to protect circus workers. Feld also acknowledged that an elephant trainer was reprimanded for using an electric shock device, known as a hot shot or electric prod, on an elephant, which Feld also stated was appropriate practice. Feld denied that any of these practices harm elephants.
HTWT breeds and rents elephant for use in television shows, movies, and for elephant rides at places like the Santa Ana Zoo
. An animal rights organization released video showing elephants, allegedly on HTWT’s facility, being shocked with stun guns and beaten with bull hooks by trainers. In a written statement, HTWT owner Gary Johnson said that, “We stand by our care and training methods.”
Mr. Johnson sits on the Board of Directors of the IEF, and the president of the IEF Board of Directors is Dr. Dennis Schmitt, who is the chair of veterinary services and director of research for Ringling's breeding and training facility. Dr. Schmitt testified on Ringling's behalf in a federal court case challenging Ringling's abusive treatment of elephants in 2009 and has done work for HTWT in the past. Like Dr. Schmitt, HTWT owners Gary and Kari Johnson both defended Ringling's bullhook use and chaining practices in federal court.
Past President of IEF is Tom Albert, vice president of government relations for Feld Entertainment, Ringling's parent company.
History
Michael Fouraker (Executive Director of the Fort Worth Zoo) found that there was lack of funding available for elephant conservation and research. In 1998, Michael Fouraker, envisioned an elephant foundation to provide funds and expertise to elephant related projects. Michael was a board member of International Rhino Foundation (IRF), have enough experience and want to use the organizational structure and business plan of IRF as a template for multiple elephant holding facilities with diverse missions to come together for a shared common goal of contributing to the long-term preservation of elephants.In November 1998, Michael invited nine representatives from zoos, private elephant facilities, circuses and a university to Fort Worth, Texas to discuss how a foundation could significantly enhance current conservation efforts. From this first organizational meeting the International Elephant Foundation was born. The IEF was incorporated in 1999.
Mission
The mission of the IEF is to support and operate elephant conservation and education programs both in managed facilities and in the wild, with an emphasis on management, protection and scientific research. Our organization is recognized by, among others, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Morris Animal Foundation and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a bona fide conservation organization. Since 1999, IEF has provided support to over 80 elephant conservation projects worldwide and almost $2 million in direct financial assistance.Controversy
IEF has close ties with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT), two organizations that have come under fire for their treatment of animals.In testimony in U.S. District Court, Ringling Brothers CEO Kenneth Feld acknowledged that elephants are struck behind the ears, under the chin and on their legs with metal tipped prods, called bull hooks. Feld stated that these practices are necessary to protect circus workers. Feld also acknowledged that an elephant trainer was reprimanded for using an electric shock device, known as a hot shot or electric prod, on an elephant, which Feld also stated was appropriate practice. Feld denied that any of these practices harm elephants.
HTWT breeds and rents elephant for use in television shows, movies, and for elephant rides at places like the Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Santa Ana, California is a zoo focusing on the animals and plants of Central and South America. The Santa Ana Zoo hosts more than 270,000 people annually. The zoo opened in 1952 and is owned and operated by the City of Santa Ana...
. An animal rights organization released video showing elephants, allegedly on HTWT’s facility, being shocked with stun guns and beaten with bull hooks by trainers. In a written statement, HTWT owner Gary Johnson said that, “We stand by our care and training methods.”
Mr. Johnson sits on the Board of Directors of the IEF, and the president of the IEF Board of Directors is Dr. Dennis Schmitt, who is the chair of veterinary services and director of research for Ringling's breeding and training facility. Dr. Schmitt testified on Ringling's behalf in a federal court case challenging Ringling's abusive treatment of elephants in 2009 and has done work for HTWT in the past. Like Dr. Schmitt, HTWT owners Gary and Kari Johnson both defended Ringling's bullhook use and chaining practices in federal court.
Past President of IEF is Tom Albert, vice president of government relations for Feld Entertainment, Ringling's parent company.