Elephants in the U.K. - ethical?

[Hiphopopotamus]

Sort of following on from the bitten by a lion thread.

AIBU to think there’s an ethical way to see elephants in the U.K.?

Elephants are my absolute favourite animal and I’d love to see them in the wild one day. However I currently don’t have that kind of money. Are there any ethical ways to see them in the U.K.? I hate the idea of zoos and places that keep animals for entertainment when they should be in the wild - but are there any proper sanctuaries or places that will release them back to the wild? It’s so hard to read between the lines though as all zoos and places talk about al the good they do. So does anyone know if there is a way I can see elephants in the U.K. with a clear conscience?

We've been to Blackpool zoo, very good. Whipsnade also very good. I would avoid Colchester zoo, they have elephants but there enclosure isn't that big and the Lion enclosure makes me want to cry.

Definitely not Whipsnade, I remember watching one of those Zoo tv shows a few years back and they chained a female elephant whilst she was giving birth and snatched the baby away as soon as it popped out so they could check it over.
The pure anguish in the elephant's call to its baby resonated in me as a mother it was that horrible.
They presented it as a good thing so I'd hate to see what they'd consider unethical.

I am pro-zoos, well, good zoos. They aren't just paying lip service to conservation, they are people doing real and important work. Visitors are an important funding source for that work. Zoos also provide a unique opportunity for the study of otherwise wild animals, enabling important habitat and re-acclimatisation work in the wild.

I am right there with you. There should be more regulations to get rid of the bad ones, but the good ones are doing amazing work. They have gone so far in last 15 years and managed to save/reintroduce back to wild/nearly save great number of spicies.
I saw a sign in one zoo. Something along the "This is an endangered animal near to extinction and is part of collaborative breeding program. Their enclosure resembles their natural habitat. It's up to them if they want to show themselves"
I guess people complained that they couldn't see the animal, because the enclosure was basically tall grass as was its natural habitat. Loved it!

Chester zoo is the UK's most popular zoo. It is amazing and does a huge amount for conservation. It's elephants are kept is a fab enclosure with a running waterfall. They also regularly send staff to other countries to help with animal habitats and endangered species and to learn from the locals. Well worth a visit.

Chester also has a successful breeding programme. If animals aren't happy they simply do not breed.

There is a virus that affects all elephants which has killed a few babies in the past few years. The zoo is trying to wipe it out. It also affects other zoos not just chester. The latest baby elephant contracted it and it looks like she's on the mend which is amazing and thanks to the staff.

Noah's ark in Somerset have them.

they also don't do science and push creationism. I'd avoid it for that alone.