An investigation by television reporters has revealed that Colchester Zoo bosses breached guidelines when they rescued maltreated elephants from Mary Chipperfield.

But defiant zoo director Dominique Tropeano today said he would do the same "again and again" if it meant freeing animals from such horrendous cruelty.

Famous circus proprietor Mrs Chipperfield and husband Roger Cawley were convicted of cruelty to four elephants last month following an undercover investigation by the charity Animal Defenders.

BBC 2's Southern Eye programme, due to be screened at 7.30pm tonight, says Mr Tropeano bought three of the elephants - Opal, Tembo and Rosa - in contravention of the Federation of Zoos' guidelines, which state that members should not purchase animals from circuses or dealers.

Mr Tropeano agreed that was the case: "Yes, strictly speaking I breached the guidelines but the truth is if I had to do it again I would. These animals were being badly treated.

"It's your own conscience that must tell you whether what you have done is right or wrong. I believe that in taking those animals away from cruelty I have done the right thing."

Southern Eye alleges that Mr Tropeano bought the elephants before the cruelty came to light.

He agreed he looked at the animals, but said no decision was taken to buy them until after Animal Defenders contacted him about the cruelty.

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