No elephant deserves to live and die alone.

This comprehensive report sheds an alarming light on one of the ongoing travesties of our modern world. The simple fact that elephants continue to be held captive, isolated within sterile concrete confines, defines the atrocities of our human selfishness. Science and morality tell us that there is no justification, there are no more excuses. We know what is required to correct this injustice, to take positive action to return the dignity and respect to these emotionally complex and socially dynamic sentient beings. Change begins with knowledge and empathy. Thanks to Dr. Lindsay, Zoocheck and Elephants in Japan, we have the knowledge, now it’s up to us, as a collective and united force, to create their essential, nourishing and reverential future.

- Scott BlaisCEO & Cofounder, Global Sanctuary for Elephants

This carefully researched and meticulously detailed report presents overwhelming evidence that the management of many zoo elephants in Japan, fails to meet basic standards of animal welfare. The clear recommendations for how this challenge may be met will be relevant for many zoos around the world.

- Peter StroudIndependent Zoological Consultant; Former Senior Curator, Melbourne Zoo; Former Director, Werribee Zoo

This report presents a shocking picture of the lives elephants endure in Japanese zoos. The images of elephant exhibits are among the most appalling I have ever seen. The elephants, themselves, look pathetic - for the most part living solitary existences, standing on concrete or other compacted surfaces, in utterly inadequate spaces. I hope that this report will lead to significant improvements in the welfare of all elephants in Japan and the banning of any future elephant importations.

- Dr. Joyce PooleCo-Founder & Scientific Director, ElephantVoices

I highly recommend all who are concerned with the lives of elephants in captivity to read the excellent report "Solitary Elephants in Japan" by Keith Lindsay. It is a very well researched, very detailed report on 14 elephants living in Japanese zoos. Lindsay brings his extensive knowledge of free ranging elephants to his observations and understanding of the paltry existence of these elephants, many of whom have lived alone for decades.

- Dr. Cynthia Moss Director, Amboseli Trust for Elephants

The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which cares for eight elephants at its ARK 2000 natural habitat sanctuary in California, fully supports the breakthrough report, "Elephants in Japan: In Memory of Hanako," that shines a bright light on conditions for elephants in Japanese zoos. The report contributes undeniable facts to ample existing evidence that elephants simply do not belong in captivity, while recognizing that currently confined elephants must be provided the best care possible. This sobering report should mark the beginning of a new and genuine respect for one of nature's most incredible animals. We urge zoos in Japan to consider its recommendations and make the changes necessary to provide a better life for the elephants in their care.

- Ed Stewart President and Co-founder Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

This excellent report should help improve the lives of zoo elephants, not just in Japan but globally. Based on relevant science on the lives of wild Asian and African elephants, it provides evidence of what must be done to start to meet the needs of captive elephants. Illustrated with a range of observations including worst-case scenarios, which are still far too common, the report shows what must be done to ensure a future for elephants in Japan. I encourage all zoo elephant keepers to read this accessible and well-written document.

- Phyllis C. Lee Director of Science, Amboseli Trust for Elephants

This report thoroughly researches and documents a pattern of antiquated living conditions and care approaches wholly unnatural and unhealthy. In our modern world no elephant should live under such conditions. Japan should be encouraged to adopt and exceed international best practice guidelines for elephant management, with the aim of giving elephants the life they fully deserve. The well-researched information provided is a blue print for improvements in the well-being of captive-held elephants worldwide.

- Carol Buckley Founder, President and CEO, Elephant Aid International

This is a superb report. It combines a wealth of knowledge of free-living elephants with detailed assessments of current conditions in Japanese zoos, culminating in a set of recommendations. The case-studies are heart-wrenching. As long as elephants are held captive—and may the day come when they are not—this report should be the gold standard, not just in Japan but worldwide.

- Jonathan BalcombePhD, author and Director of Animal Sentience, Humane Society Institute for Science and Policy

Elephants are iconic and magnificent social and emotional beings. They cannot be provided anything that resembles even a marginally acceptable life in captivity, and when they are kept alone it is a shameful violation of who they truly are. I hope this important report improves the lives of elephants in Japan and wherever they are held captive.

- Marc BekoffMarc Bekoff, PhD, University of Colorado, co-author of "The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age"