Prohibition on elephant captivity

The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 30. Prohibition on elephant captivity (a) In general An exhibitor that is a safari park or zoological park may not exhibit, house, manage, or breed an African elephant or an Asian elephant after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, except to complete a transfer of an African elephant or an Asian elephant pursuant to subsection (b). (b) Transfer to authorized wildlife sanctuaries The Secretary shall require each exhibitor that is a safari park or zoological park that exhibits, houses, manages, or breeds an African elephant or an Asian elephant as of the date of the enactment of this section to transfer such African elephant or Asian elephant to an authorized wildlife sanctuary not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this section. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) African elephant The term African elephant has the meaning given the term in section 2305 of the African Elephant Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4244). (2) Authorized wildlife sanctuary The term authorized wildlife sanctuary means a nonprofit facility that— (A) is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or a similar body; (B) is dedicated to the lifelong care of elephants; (C) does not— (i) breed animals; (ii) exhibit animals for profit; or (iii) use animals for public entertainment; and (D) meets the standards promulgated under this Act for— (i) space; (ii) veterinary care; and (iii) naturalistic environments. (3) Safari park The term safari park means a facility, whether publicly or privately owned, that— (A) houses animals in large enclosures for public viewing; and (B) allows visitors to drive through or observe animals in a simulated natural environment. (4) Zoological park The term zoological park — (A) means a facility, whether publicly or privately owned, that exhibits live animals to the public for educational or entertainment purposes; and (B) includes zoos and aquariums..