Driving Change for Elephants in Japan
Our Impact So Far
In less than a decade, Elephants in Japan (EIJ) has brought the issue of solitary elephant captivity in Japan from invisibility into national and international focus.
Through research, advocacy, collaboration, and public engagement, we have driven meaningful progress for elephants across Japan.
What began as a campaign for one elephant has grown into a long-term commitment to ending solitary elephant suffering in Japan.
Research & Awareness
EIJ has helped document the scale and realities of solitary elephant captivity in Japanese zoos through:
- The first national assessment of solitary elephants in Japanese zoos (2017), authored by elephant biologist Dr. Keith Lindsay.
- A 2021 update documenting developments since the original investigation, identifying additional solitary elephants, and highlighting ongoing challenges.
- A nationwide on-the-ground assessment in 2025, tracking current conditions and changes across Japan.
Public Pressure & Advocacy
Our campaigns have mobilized global awareness and public engagement around solitary captive elephants in Japan.
More than 2.3 million people worldwide have supported petitions calling for improved welfare for elephants in Japanese zoos, alongside extensive Japanese and international media coverage.
Become part of the movement. Join the EIJ Action Network.
Policy Change & Welfare Improvements
Our work has contributed to important developments within Japan’s zoo community, including:
- 2017: The Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) announced it would work to bring together solitary elephants wherever possible.
- 2021: JAZA introduced Japan’s first voluntary elephant welfare guidelines.
Change on the Ground
EIJ’s work has contributed to tangible welfare improvements for individual elephants and facilities.
Examples include improved enrichment and freedom of movement for Sunny at Ishikawa Zoo, and Yuki Park Zoo’s commitment to improve care for Teru while phasing out its elephant program.
Meet the elephants whose stories continue today.
Elephant-Free Zoos
To date, seven Japanese zoos have either become, or committed to becoming, elephant-free, reflecting a broader shift in how elephant welfare is being considered across Japan.
How We Work
We combine independent research, expert collaboration, public advocacy, and constructive dialogue to improve the lives of elephants in Japan. We regularly share our findings and engage with elephant welfare experts, partner organizations, the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), zoos, policymakers, and the public to encourage evidence-based improvements and lasting change.
Looking Ahead
Despite meaningful progress, elephants in Japan continue to live alone in conditions that cannot fully meet their social, physical, and behavioral needs.
EIJ’s long-term vision is to help establish Japan’s first elephant sanctuary in southern Japan, a species-appropriate environment where elephants could finally experience the space, companionship, autonomy, and care they deserve.