USDA finds no violations in inspection of Six Flags Great Adventure elephant facility
According to an inspection report completed Oct. 9, USDA inspectors identified "no non-compliant items" during a focused inspection of the Jackson theme park's elephant care operation.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has completed its inspection of Six Flags Great Adventure's elephant facility and found no violations.
According to an inspection report completed Oct. 9, USDA inspectors identified "no non-compliant items" during a focused inspection of the Jackson theme park's elephant care operation. The inspection and exit briefing were conducted with facility representatives.
The inspection stemmed from a complaint filed Sept. 15 by World Animal Protection with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
The organization alleged that five African elephants at the park were being kept in an enclosure that lacked sufficient natural or artificial shade, citing aerial images taken in August.
"The health and wellbeing of our animals remains a top priority, and we unequivocally stand behind the care we provide," a Six Flags Great Adventure spokesperson said in a statement provided to News 12 in September. "Six Flags Great Adventure is fully compliant with the Animal Welfare Act and undergoes regular inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
The park also defended its elephant care practices, saying the animals have access to indoor and outdoor environments, professional veterinary care and enrichment and husbandry programs designed to support their well-being.
