There was a lot of celebratory hyperbole in the community and a lot of cries of “victory” – as animal organizations are prone to do whether or not it’s justified. While the judge was highly quotable, and he was admirably critical of the zoo, aside from ordering the rototilling of the compacted dirt of the prison, and two hours of daily exercise, the elephants haven’t gained much at all. (I’ve also heard that a zoo’s idea of “exercising” an elephant is using a whip to make him or her run around in circles.)

I assume the zoo will appeal.