We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest of human traits: Empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior
– Graydon Carter
FREE ALL CAPTIVE ELEPHANTs, (FACE)
We are the only non-profit in the nation dedicated solely to rescuing elephants held in captivity in North America. FACE is dedicated to getting elephants to sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). GFAS is the gold standard for sanctuaries.
The work of FACE is VITAL in getting captive elephants to the sanctuaries waiting and ready to receive them.
*** Kristin Leppert, Program Director – Wildlife, North, Central and South America
of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), explains:
“The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries recognizes and supports true sanctuaries that provide the highest quality of care for animals and exhibit ethical and operational excellence. GFAS Accredited Performing Animal Welfare Society in San Andreas, California and the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee are prime examples of true sanctuaries offering rescued elephants what they need: acres to roam, lakes to enjoy and most importantly, the company of their own species.”
“True sanctuaries are not places animals go to die.
True sanctuaries are where once captive elephants go to LIVE.”
The "Breaking" of Baby Elephants
The reality is that elephants must go through a training called, “breaking”, “the crush” and “phajaan”. Different words are used for the same purpose. In the United States it’s known as “breaking”. They will eventually give in after their spirits are broken. Physically and emotionally they give in to the torture. Baby elephants are put through this brutality in order to use them for circuses, TV shows, elephant riding, zoos and any type of human entertainment you see. Elephants are wild animals and would never allow riders, perform or otherwise interact with humans naturally. For the rest of their lives in captvity after they are BROKEN, they will continue to be beaten in order for them to obey.
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NEVER ride an elephant
Baby elephants must go through a “breaking” to be “circus ready”. The brutality involved in this training is pure torture. Eventually, the baby elephant gives in…their spirits are BROKEN…When you decide to ride an elephant, or go to a circus, in essence you are agreeing that this is OK.
OUR CAMPAIGNS
Circus Tracking
CIRCUS TRACKING is VITAL in helping elephants suffering in circuses. Where are Viola and Isa? Bunny and Libby? Betty and Bo? Okha, Kosti and Megue? LuLu, Chang and Zola? …and numerous others. What REALLY happened to sweet…”Click on photo to view full story“
LEGISLATION – THE KEY TO CHANGE
FACE works continuously with legislators around the country to improve the conditions and protections for elephants on both the state and federal levels TEAPSPA Help Free All Captive Elephants (FACE)…”Click on photo to view full story“
Asha’s Story
This is Asha’s story… Asha is a 37-year-old African female elephant who was born in Zimbabwe somewhere between 1982-83. Asha lost her entire family in a horrific slaughter orchestrated by the government of Zimbabwe in 1984…”Click on photo to view full story“