CHER Act of 2024 Captivity of Helpless Elephants Reduction Act of 2024
If passed, the CHER Act would significantly change the landscape of elephant management in the U.S. by banning the display, breeding, and husbandry of both African and Asian elephants in zoos. Elephants currently held in such institutions would be directed to sanctuaries to ensure a life that closely mirrors their natural environment. The legislation reflects an increasing trend towards animal welfare and conservation, echoing the moves made by similar legislation in countries like the United Kingdom and India.
House Bill 10049, also known as the Captivity of Helpless Elephants Reduction Act of 2024 (CHER Act), aims to amend the African Elephant Conservation Act and Asian Elephant Conservation Act to prohibit the keeping of elephants in captivity at zoological parks in the United States. The bill emphasizes the negative physical and psychological impacts of captivity on elephants, noting their natural behaviors and social structures that cannot be fulfilled in zoos. Its intent is to enhance the quality of life for these majestic creatures by transferring them to authorized sanctuaries that can better meet their needs.
Notably, the bill may face contention from some zoological institutions and stakeholders who argue that professional oversight in zoos can provide adequate care and educational opportunities for the public. Critics of the bill might express concerns over the logistics of relocating elephants and the potential financial impacts on zoos that would need to dismantle their habitats and transfer the animals. Additionally, there are debates about whether such policies could undermine local education and conservation efforts happening within zoos, leading to polarized opinions on the best approach to elephant conservation.