We visited the zoo today after our demo.  Two tables were set up in front of the elephant display.  On one table were photos of the "preserve" in Somerset County, more accurately known as a breeding facility, and a book where people could write things about the elephants and a collar.  A zoo employee wearing a name tag "Danielle" stood behind the table with the book.

As we were watching the elephants, a patron standing next to us asked Danielle if the collar on the table was a "shock collar."  Danielle said in a horrified voice, "OH NO, we would NEVER use a shock collar on OUR elephants."  I explained that the zoo used bullhooks on the elephants.  Danielle said "The keepers have to use bullhooks because these elephants came from the circus and that is how they were trained."  I explained to Danielle that wasn't true; in fact, elephants at the Sanctuaries were former circus elephants that had been trained with bullhooks and bullhooks are never used at sanctuaries.  She said, "Are all elephants at sanctuaries from circuses?"  I said no - but they had all been trained with bullhooks yet the sanctuaries used positive reinforcement training with the elephants.  Danielle then said "It's easier for the keepers to use this method."  I agreed that it was much easier for the keepers to use bullhooks but it was very hard on the elephants.  Danielle then claimed, "Well,  I see the elephants EVERY DAY and I've NEVER seen the keepers use the bullhook even once."

It's uncertain whether Danielle's statement is something the zoo told her to say, or if she really believes it....but if she would spend two seconds educating herself on the facts provided here at this website, she'd see the bullhook in use multiple times.