is it legal to own an elephant in the U.S.?

Question

I love elephants, they are my favorite kind of animal next to dogs and i think it would neat to have one as a pet..is it legal to own one? can i get permit to own one and if i have a lot of land for one can i have one?

Answer 1

You do but you have to fufill the regulations.

You need a permit from the state in which the animal should reside, this is usually handed out by the state fish and wildlife department. Some states actually don't have any restrictions on exotic animals like that.

But then you need to explicit approval from the county in which you reside.

These two forms of red tape would probably make it near impossible. But here is a bit more info if you are reeeeally interested in the laws and what it would take to own one:

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovusexoticpets.htm

Answer 2

yeah but only after a lot of money and passing abunch of requirements, some zoos will allow you to do some work around there elephants as well as circuses so
rather than get an elephant work with them this place is a nice sanctury and it will give you an idea of the time and money needed also read the book Modoc, and The Lady and the Tiger.
http://www.elephants.com/

Answer 3

I don't know if it's legal but it might be a better idea to see if you can get a job at a zoo or something. Learn how to care for elephants before you think if owning one would be feasible.

Answer 4

Some people do have elephants. They are very expensive to keep because they eat a lot, and they can be dangerous because they are so big. You'd need a permit and a proper habitat.

Answer 5

no Michail Jackson have one way can't you

Answer 6

Only if its Asian not African.