Actress Evanna Lynch narrates World Animal Protection’s documentary „Trapped at Six Flags“ featuring captive elephants

On World Elephant Day, World Animal Protection US released a short documentary titled „Trapped at Six Flags,“ shedding light on the heartbreaking story of Joyce, an African elephant who has endured decades of cruelty and exploitation since being taken from the wilds of Zimbabwe more than 30 years ago. The documentary, written, produced, and directed by Miguel Endara, Programs Manager at World Animal Protection US, and narrated by actress and activist Evanna Lynch, exposes the traumatic history of Joyce’s captivity in the United States.

Joyce was one of 62 orphaned elephants brought to the US in the 1980s after a government slaughter operation decimated her herd in Zimbabwe. Since then, she has been subjected to forced performances, isolation, and stress, being sold and resold to various zoos, circuses, and captive attractions. For the past decade, Joyce has been held captive at the Wild Safari exhibit at Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey.

The documentary follows Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Head of Animal Welfare & Research at World Animal Protection, as he visits Six Flags Wild Safari to assess Joyce’s living conditions. What he uncovers is deeply disturbing – Six Flags provides a small, barren area for the elephants in captivity, a space that Joyce is unable to access. Instead, she is confined to an even smaller paddock, isolated from the other elephants. The total area allotted for the captive elephants is shockingly 700,000 times smaller than what they would have in their natural habitat. Dr. Schmidt-Burbach also raises concerns about the elephants‘ proximity to the park’s rollercoasters, which likely further harms their well-being.

World Animal Protection has long documented the detrimental effects of captivity on elephants, including shorter lifespans, behavioral issues, and chronic diseases. Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director of World Animal Protection US, emphasizes that elephants like Joyce are not entertainment props but sentient beings deserving of freedom. The organization is calling on Six Flags to send all the elephants to sanctuaries where they can live in a more natural environment.

Evanna Lynch, World Animal Protection Global Ambassador, expresses her heartbreak over Joyce’s story and urges people to take action to help her and other elephants in similar situations. By watching the documentary and joining the campaign to demand Six Flags release Joyce and the other elephants to sanctuaries, individuals can make a difference in the lives of these majestic animals.

World Animal Protection is a global organization dedicated to ending animal exploitation, advocating for animal-friendly alternatives, and influencing policy change. With a presence in nearly 50 countries and UN Consultative Status, the organization prioritizes animals in farming and those exploited for entertainment, as pets, and in fashion.

In conclusion, „Trapped at Six Flags“ shines a light on the suffering endured by Joyce and other captive elephants, urging viewers to take action and demand a better life for these intelligent and sensitive animals. Through awareness and advocacy, we can work towards a future where elephants like Joyce can roam freely in sanctuaries, away from the cruelty of captivity.