In a significant move for animal rights, Canada’s Senate has passed Bill S-15, a legislation aimed at ending the captivity of great apes and elephants for entertainment purposes. This bill aims to prevent the future captivity, breeding, and use of these intelligent, emotional creatures in performances and rides. The law also strives to ensure that these animals are no longer treated as mere props in entertainment settings.

For anyone who has ever witnessed an elephant swaying restlessly in a small enclosure or observed an ape gazing through glass, seemingly waiting for something to happen, it becomes abundantly clear why this bill resonates with so many. These animals are deeply sentient beings, and their captivity has raised concerns over their psychological and physical well-being.

The core idea of Bill S-15 is straightforward: elephants and great apes should not be confined for human amusement. The bill would make it an offense to newly possess, breed, or allow the breeding of these animals, with a few exceptions such as rescues, conservation efforts, or scientific research. Furthermore, the use of elephants and great apes in performances would be prohibited.

However, the bill would not immediately remove animals already held in captivity. These animals are “grandfathered,” meaning they can remain in their current conditions, but the aim is to gradually phase out their use in captivity over time. The ultimate goal is to prevent the continued cycle of captivity, so that future generations of elephants and great apes are not subjected to the same fate.

Canada’s federal government has emphasized that elephants and great apes are highly self-aware, social, and emotional beings. These animals are known to form close bonds, experience grief, and require space, autonomy, and stable social structures. In contrast, they are often kept in small, noisy environments that fail to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Another important point highlighted in the government’s statement is the challenge of Canada’s harsh winter climate. Elephants, in particular, are often confined to indoor spaces during the cold months. At the time of the bill’s introduction, there were more than 20 elephants and approximately 30 great apes living in captivity across Canada.

While Bill S-15 has passed the Senate, it is not yet a law. The bill still awaits its first reading in the House of Commons. This is an essential step, as it shows that Canadian lawmakers are seriously engaging in a conversation about how humans should treat animals that experience fear, comfort, and love. The passage of this bill could be the first step toward ending a practice that many people believe should never have existed.

Looking ahead, we may reach a point where future generations look back in disbelief, unable to comprehend how society once thought it acceptable to imprison such majestic creatures for entertainment.