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Topeka Zoo denies request to discuss elephants’ care

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka Zoo officials have denied claims by activists that the zoo’s two elephants are suffering from lack of social interaction.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to Topeka Zoo director Brendan Wiley asking for a meeting to discuss elephants Tembo and Sunda.

Rachel Mathews, with PETA’s Captive Animals Law Enforcement unit, says the animals need a third elephant to interact with.

On Wednesday, Wiley sent his response, declining the request for a meeting.

Wiley says the zoo meets accrediting standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has space for another elephant, but he says adding a third elephant this year or next year wouldn’t be a good idea because of zoo construction.

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