Buttonwood Park Zoo Director Says Their Elephants Are Well Cared For

An international animal-rights organization has named New Bedford's Buttonwood Park Zoo to it's top-ten list of "worst zoos for elephants."  

The California-based In Defense Of Animals put our zoo in the 5th spot on it's list, saying the elephants need space to walk miles each day and need to be in a warmer climate because they are kept in an indoor confined space during the winter months.   Zoo Director keith Lovett says he doesn't agree with the group's assessment of it's elephant exhibit.

He said the zoo has a staff dedicated to caring for Ruth and Emily, and they provide round-the-clock, hour-by-hour attention to the needs of both elephants.   He added although the Buttonwood Park Zoo's elephant facility is older, an improvement is now being planned for the near future.