Break Asha Free From A Life of Confinement

Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Tell the Natural Bridge Zoo to release Asha to a sanctuary where she can enjoy the freedom she deserves.

In the heart of Virginia, at the Natural Bridge Zoo, lives Asha, an African elephant whose story has captured the hearts and concerns of many. For over three decades, Asha has lived in conditions that starkly contrast with the natural life intended for an elephant. Known to the zoo as “Beautiful,” she faces a reality that is anything but.

A Life of Imprisonment

Asha spends her days in isolation, a condition unnatural and harmful for an elephant, a species known for its deep social bonds and complex family structures¹. This solitude is punctuated only by the weight of saddles and the procession of visitors she is made to carry, day in and day out.

The conditions at the Natural Bridge Zoo have not gone unnoticed. With nearly 150 citations for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the zoo’s management of Asha’s welfare has been under scrutiny². Despite legislative efforts and public outcry, loopholes and advocacy have kept Asha in a cycle of exploitation, under the guise of education and interaction³.

A Call for Compassion and Change

Asha’s plight is not just about one elephant in Virginia. It’s a reflection of a larger issue at hand – the ethical treatment and rights of animals in captivity. It’s about recognizing the inherent value and needs of these magnificent creatures beyond the confines of entertainment and profit.

The time for change is now. We call on the management of the Natural Bridge Zoo to recognize the injustice that has been done to Asha and to take immediate action. Releasing Asha to a wildlife sanctuary where she can roam freely, socialize, and receive the care she deserves is not just an act of compassion but a necessary step toward a more humane and just approach to wildlife management.

Your Voice Matters

Your signature on the petition to release Asha can make a difference. It’s a statement of solidarity with Asha and a call for change that resonates far beyond the borders of Virginia. It’s a commitment to a future where the welfare of all creatures is held in the highest regard.

Sign the petition today. Stand with Asha. Be part of the movement for a kinder, more compassionate world.