The CHER Act would prohibit zoos and safari parks from exhibiting, housing, managing, or breeding African and Asian elephants starting one year after enactment. Facilities with elephants would have up to three years after enactment to transfer them to authorized wildlife sanctuaries. The Agriculture Secretary would study whether transfers are feasible, may create grants to help sanctuaries care for the elephants, and must prepare public education materials.
If enacted, you would no longer see African or Asian elephants at zoos or safari parks covered by the bill after the ban begins. The bill defines zoological parks to include zoos and aquariums. It does not describe changes for other kinds of facilities.
The bill does not specify total costs or grant amounts. It requires a study that considers transfer costs and allows, but does not require, a grant program to support sanctuaries.
The bill states that its purpose is to end elephant display, care, and breeding at zoos and safari parks and move existing elephants to authorized sanctuaries. Its findings cite concerns about elephant welfare in captivity.
No publicly available information.