Rhanee The Elephant

Both Jean Lambert MEP and Caroline Lucas MEP received a number of letters requesting our help to secure the release of Rhanee, a female ex Chipperfield Circus elephant who was residing alone in a Spanish Zoo.

Rhanee, left mentally disturbed from her years in the circus, was sold to Parques Reunidos after Mary Chipperfield was sentenced for abusing animals in her care. 

At the time of the appeal Rhanee was being kept at Valwo Zoo in central Spain.  The zoo would not sell Rhanee. They hoped to breed from her but as she was displaying signs of disturbed behaviour, it was unlikely that they would be able to do so.  Rhanee had a long life ahead of her but she desperately needed the specialist care she deserved.

This campaign had international support with many celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney voicing their concern.  Rhanee’s condition was also backed up by independent scientific support.

The aim of the campaign was to enable Rhanee to retire to the Performing Animal Welfare Society Sanctuary in California where she could receive expert care.

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