Activists ask that Mirage elephant be retired

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000 | 10:55 a.m.

Animal rights activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is publicly calling for the Mirage hotel-casino to turn over its elephant, "Gilda," to an elephant sanctuary.

The elephant, a long-time part of magicians Siegfried & Roy's act, can be seen at the Mirage's "Secret Garden" exhibit. In a Monday letter to MGM MIRAGE spokesman Alan Feldman, a PETA official called on the company to allow Gilda to "retire."

"Elephants are herd animals and thrive in the company of other elephants," wrote Jane Garrison, elephant specialist in PETA's research and investigations department. "Elephant experts worldwide concur that it is cruel to keep an elephant alone.

"We have received numerous complaints about Gilda. Suffice it to say that when our members complain to us, they expect action on our part!"

Feldman blasted the organization, calling the letter a fundraising ploy. He said the company would not accede to PETA's demands.

"They're probably the largest and most well-organized fundraising group in America," Feldman said. "They seek to find areas where they can manipulate the public's feelings and concerns about animals and convert that into donations. I guess they've decided to try this now."

"The public is well aware of the extent of care all the animals in our care receive, and no amount of attempts to turn this into an issue will change that fact. Gilda has lived a healthy and happy life for the past two decades with Siegfried and Roy."