The injury of an animal keeper at the Calgary Zoo on Sunday, gave known animal activists PETA, a chance to attack their elephant management techniques.
A letter addressed incorrectly to the zoo's former President and CEO says, the old free contact style relies on routine beatings, and they want to see the use of the protected contact method instead.
A PETA spokeswoman tells 660News that anytime zoos manage elephants without keeping a barrier between the animals and people, they have to use what they call "circus-style" management.
But Graham Newton, the Director of Corporate Services at the zoo tells 660News, PETA's accusations are unfounded.
He says their information is filled with inaccuracies and shoddy research, because they already do use protected contact method with one of their elephants, and for others the free contact method is what they're used to, and is a safe option.
PETA also goes on to say that the handler was "seriously injured" in the incident, but in fact, Newton says he recently spoke with the trainer who is sore, but anxious to get back to work.
He adds the elephant is also fine, and is back on display at the zoo.
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