Topeka Zoo officials have denied claims by activists that the zoo’s two elephants are suffering from lack of social interaction.

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to Topeka Zoo director Brendan Wiley asking for a meeting to discuss elephants Tembo and Sunda.

Rachel Mathews, with PETA’s Captive Animals Law Enforcement unit, says the animals need a third elephant to interact with.

On Wednesday, Wiley sent his response, declining the request for a meeting.

Wiley says the zoo meets accrediting standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has space for another elephant, but he says adding a third elephant this year or next year wouldn’t be a good idea because of zoo construction.

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Associated Press information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal