Elephants go through terrible things all over the world, for no reason other than entertainment or decoration.
You have heard about a brilliant elephant painting pictures with it's trunk. You may have considered riding an elephant at some point, in a land far away. You may have heard that you shouldn't buy ivory, but wondered why. You have seen elephants performing tricks on television, and you probably wondered how such a huge animal was taught to do such fantastic things.
While all of those things seem innocent, they aren't. Elephants may have thick skin and you've probably heard that because of this they "can't feel a thing." It's not true. I've heard the screams, seen the panicked eyes, and watched as baby elephants were beaten until they bled.
Why do these things happen? Well, because of people like you and me.
I volunteered at an elephant sanctuary and I learned all about the traditional way of training elephants. All across Asia and other parts of the world, elephants are moulded into tourist attractions using a variety of barbaric tools and traditions.
In many parts of Africa, elephants have been hunted for their ivory to such an extent that their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. I've met their orphans in Kenya, and it's heartbreaking.
In many parts of Africa, elephants have been hunted for their ivory to such an extent that their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. I've met their orphans in Kenya, and it's heartbreaking.
Who controls the demand for trained elephants or ivory trinkets? People like you and me.
How can we help? Don't ride an elephant. Never watch an elephant perform. If you see an elephant on a street, don't pay to feed it. Never buy ivory. Put away your wallet and stop supporting the cycle of violence.
I know you may be asking, "Okay, but I really want to touch an elephant! I'd love to feed and bathe one of those big guys!". Trust me, I know. The good thing is, there are ways to do all of those things in a responsible, incredible way.
In Thailand, I experienced feeding a baby elephant and watched as he threw away all the bananas I gave him (picky, picky!). I bathed several muddy elephants in a river, and saw how much both elephants and people enjoy that activity. I looked into the eyes of elephants that have seen incredible cruelty, and saw nothing but forgiveness and innocence beyond their wrinkled eyelids.
In Thailand, I experienced feeding a baby elephant and watched as he threw away all the bananas I gave him (picky, picky!). I bathed several muddy elephants in a river, and saw how much both elephants and people enjoy that activity. I looked into the eyes of elephants that have seen incredible cruelty, and saw nothing but forgiveness and innocence beyond their wrinkled eyelids.
Check out some of the links below to learn more about how you can do those things. I'm not here to support any organization, though. Rather, I'm here to educate, share and learn. Join me.
Read more about Asian elephants here.
Learn about how you can help orphaned African elephants here.
Learn more about the elephant sanctuary I volunteered at in Thailand here.
Learn more about the elephant sanctuary I volunteered at in Thailand here.