Mexico’s Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a zoo to improve the health of an African elephant named Ely, the first time the country’s highest court has made such a move in favor of an animal.
Veterinarian Gabriela Uribe Acosta, director of the zoo’s Center for Wildlife Conservation, said she was confident the zoo could comply with the court’s order to improve Ely’s life.
The decision by a panel of four justices upheld a lower court’s order last year in Ely’s favor and experts believe it could set a precedent in Mexico recognizing that animals have rights.
“Ely was in terrible conditions,” said Diana Valencia, founder and director of the animal rights group Opening Cages and Opening Minds.
Wednesday’s ruling follows another high court decision last month when it determined that Mexico City laws against animal mistreatment and cruelty were constitutional.
