By Andrea Sosa Cabrios

Mexico City (Mexico) - Mexico's Supreme Court has ruled in favor of an animal for the first time : a pachyderm from a zoo in Mexico City that has become known as the "saddest elephant in the world" is to be given better living conditions.

This was decided by the court after years of campaigning by animal welfare organizations for the welfare of the elephant cow Ely. The more than 40-year-old female elephant had spent half of her life in a circus and, according to activists, suffered from depression at times in the zoo.

The court ordered that Ely's enclosure be brought as close as possible to the natural habitat of elephants and that the animal's health be better monitored.

The colossus, which weighs several tons, has been housed in the San Juan de Aragón Zoo in the Mexican capital for 13 years.

For years, the African elephant had to live there alone.

According to activists, Ely began banging her head against the walls due to her sadness and stress. In 2023, the elephant cow Gipsy was brought to Mexico City from another zoo to provide Ely with permanent company.

In the X article, the Supreme Court writes: "The protection of Ely the elephant is a top priority! The law recognizes animals as sentient beings. It is therefore important that we ensure their welfare and care."