Trauma, abuse for Thai elephants taught tricks for tourists, charity says

[webfact]

Trauma, abuse for Thai elephants taught tricks for tourists, charity says

By Juarawee Kittisilpa and Jiraporn Kuhakan

 

This handout image shows a baby elephant tied up to poles during a training process, known as 'the crush', that young elephants endure to make them submissive to interact with tourists in an undisclosed location in Thailand, June 18, 2020. World Animal Protection/Handout via REUTERS

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Undercover video obtained for an investigation into alleged animal cruelty shows baby elephants in Thailand taken from their mothers then exposed to abusive training methods to perform tricks for tourists, according to a wildlife charity.

 

World Animal Protection has released footage filmed secretly at several camps at undisclosed locations between December 2018 and January 2020, showing distressed mothers and babies pulled apart, and the young elephants enduring isolation and physical and mental trauma.

 

The videos capture what the charity said was three training teams breaking the spirit of elephants to wean them from mothers to make them submissive, and able to learn tricks like walking on hind legs, painting on a canvas and spinning hoops on trunks.

 

Thailand's environment minister on Monday told Reuters animal cruelty would not be tolerated and if the footage was authentic, swift action would be taken against the perpetrators.

 

The recordings feature eight elephants put through a four-step programme that the charity said was called "the crush", including making them hobble with chained legs, poking sensitive areas with bull-hooks or exposing them to busy highways.

 

The footage shows what the group said was the ordeal of one mother elephant, Gintaala, who has been separated over time from each of her four calves in turn.

 

"Elephants they are together ... They walk in herds and they look after each other. So, doing things like that is very inhumane," said Roatchana Sungthong, country manager for World Animal Protection.

 

Elephants have been a source of national pride and cultural identity for Thailand throughout its history, used for labour, transport and in battlefield triumphs by warriors and kings.

 

Environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said animal cruelty was unacceptable and urged any group with information or evidence of abuses to come forward immediately.

 

"Because these kind of things, you know, a second delayed it means the life and death of these animals," he said.

 

Laithongrien Meepan, an elephant expert and owner of an elephant camp in Ayutthaya north of Bangkok, said he believed the videos were staged and showed outdated methods that were formerly used on elephants caught in the wild.

 

Laithongrien, whose camp has not been accused of abusive practices, said elephant handlers would not use such methods.

 

"Those video clips are fake and it was a setup. Who would do such things? To me, there is no reason to do that," he said of the techniques.

 

World Animal Protection's Roatchana said the video was real and not a set up.

 

(Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Giles Elgood)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-06-30

 

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[Matzzon]

Me thinks it´s better to chain up the people that are doing this to the poor animals.

After that they can let the elefants Gang-R them.

Edited June 29, 2020 by Matzzon

[canopy]

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

said those video clips are fake and it was a setup

And how would he know? Invite him to go and watch and get it on film. You'll never see a guy run so fast.

 

[brownrabbit]

So why no names? Location?  Read about this in 4 different publications now but no location on names given once.

 

Despite this...

 

Environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said animal cruelty was unacceptable and urged any group with information or evidence of abuses to come forward immediately.

 

"Because these kind of things, you know, a second delayed it means the life and death of these animals," he said.

 

Only goes to show that if the videos are genuine - it is not normalised and those responsible will be held to account.  Despite likes of WAP spreading the BS that this is standard practice for all captive elephants (it isn't) - to fit with their narrative (and keep those donations flooding in).  If names/locations are not given then it suggests it was indeed staged.  

[PremiumLane]

21 minutes ago, brownrabbit said:

If names/locations are not given then it suggests it was indeed staged.  

Guess you have not heard of the defamation laws in Thailand then?

[Bkk Brian]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said animal cruelty was unacceptable and urged any group with information or evidence of abuses to come forward immediately.

So in other words don't bother investigating, ignore the evidence provided in the report and wait for further atrocities to come to light, rinse and repeat

[Antonymous]

1 hour ago, brownrabbit said:

So why no names? Location?  Read about this in 4 different publications now but no location on names given once.

 

Despite this...

 

Environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said animal cruelty was unacceptable and urged any group with information or evidence of abuses to come forward immediately.

 

"Because these kind of things, you know, a second delayed it means the life and death of these animals," he said.

 

Only goes to show that if the videos are genuine - it is not normalised and those responsible will be held to account.  Despite likes of WAP spreading the BS that this is standard practice for all captive elephants (it isn't) - to fit with their narrative (and keep those donations flooding in).  If names/locations are not given then it suggests it was indeed staged.  

Exactly right!

 

There has been a video of 'the crush' going around for many years (at least 15) that is promoted regularly by activists including PETA to try to convince the gullible that this is the normal state of affairs in Thailand and that all elephants in captivity have had to endure torture. It is not and they do not.

 

In fact once the Thai authorities were made aware of that video going around they tracked down the culprits to a Karen village on the Myanmar border. They were rightly critical of the activist who filmed the incident without informing them of the whereabouts of the atrocity.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

World Animal Protection has released footage filmed secretly at several camps at undisclosed locations between December 2018 and January 2020, showing distressed mothers and babies pulled apart, and the young elephants enduring isolation and physical and mental trauma.

All in the name of entertainment, sickening that this is done to make a profit...

tourists should shun these places..
 

[Misterwhisper]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's environment minister on Monday told Reuters animal cruelty would not be tolerated and if the footage was authentic, swift action would be taken against the perpetrators.

You hypocrite! The "crushing the spirit" procedure has been carried out in Siam/Thailand on elephants - the "sacred" national animal, no less - since times immemorial. EVERY Thai knows about it. Now, my dear environment minister, please don't make it sound as if you had just learned some shocking news. You know EXACTLY what is going on at these training camps. And of course the footage is authentic. Why question it? It's just as authentic as all those other video clips and media reports that have emerged again and again over the years. And what has been done to end this disgusting practice? That's right... nothing!   

[Mick501]

2 hours ago, Antonymous said:

Exactly right!

 

There has been a video of 'the crush' going around for many years (at least 15) that is promoted regularly by activists including PETA to try to convince the gullible that this is the normal state of affairs in Thailand and that all elephants in captivity have had to endure torture. It is not and they do not.

 

In fact once the Thai authorities were made aware of that video going around they tracked down the culprits to a Karen village on the Myanmar border. They were rightly critical of the activist who filmed the incident without informing them of the whereabouts of the atrocity.

So why does every mahout carry a bull hook?   Elephants do not do tricks in nature and are routinely tortured for tourist entertainment.  Every tourist who visits an elephant show other than a rehab camp is supporting this ongoing disgrace.

[holy cow cm]

ELF. But seriously not sure what to think on this. Thai and elephants are like westerners and dogs, except we don't abuse dogs. 

[digger70]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

World Animal Protection has released footage filmed secretly at several camps at undisclosed locations between December 2018 and January 2020

That Doesn't sound Right.

If the Footage filmed Was/Is Real than they must Name the Places where this took place  to Prove and to prosecute the people who done/do this to the Elephants. 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Fifteen years ago they were still walking around Bangkok with tourists feeding them so things have gotten better.

 

You used to sit in a beer bar outdoors and an elephant's trunk would come up behind you (not a euphemism) and there would be this two ton animal behind you!

 

I miss those crazy days, Bangkok is too boring, polluted and sanitised now.

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

All in the name of entertainment, sickening that this is done to make a profit...

tourists should shun these places..
 

I quite like them.

If they were cheaper I would visit more.

Don't really care how people treat their cats or dogs when out of my sight (locked up alone all day).

Why would I think different for Elephants?

[brownrabbit]

1 hour ago, Mick501 said:

So why does every mahout carry a bull hook?   Elephants do not do tricks in nature and are routinely tortured for tourist entertainment.  Every tourist who visits an elephant show other than a rehab camp is supporting this ongoing disgrace.

The bullhook is used as a guide. Having one allows mahouts to have a tool that can be employed if the urgent need arises - often to ensure their safety, the safety of those around them, and the safety of elephants themselves. Police officers carry guns - doesn't mean they use them, nor that they shoot people indiscriminately. Take away the bullhook and the replacements (hidden nails) or alternative (nothing) is far worse.  

[brownrabbit]

50 minutes ago, digger70 said:

That Doesn't sound Right.

If the Footage filmed Was/Is Real than they must Name the Places where this took place  to Prove and to prosecute the people who done/do this to the Elephants. 

Agree. World Animal Protection are a huge London based international animal rights organisation with a huge influence in both the MSM and on social media.  

 

If government ministers are publicly asking for names and locations then why are they not forthcoming? There may be a reason but seems a tad suspect.

It means 2 things...

1. It was staged to push a false narrative and ensure the donations keep flooding in and the only places that get tourists (when tourism restarts) are those run and supported by the WAP

2. It is a genuine example of animal cruelty for which those guilty should/and seemingly will, be held to account. 

 

Regardless, it is NOT proof that this is how all elephants in captivity are trained. To use a shock video to try and eliminate ALL forms of elephant tourism is not only harmful to those who care for elephants and those dependent on them for their livelihoods, but also the elephants themselves.  They need an income. Someone needs care for them and to feed them. They eat. A lot.   And no - not all 3500 odd captive elephants can simply be held in observation only 'sanctuaries' until they eventually die of old age....nice idea that it is.

[canopy]

It seems likely an investigation is taking place. The very first thing stated is "Undercover video obtained for an investigation". If Thai officials refused then surely this organization would say as much. It would be nice to get updates on this. It's an important topic that has been swept under the rug for too long.

 

[Jim1000]

This has been known for years and years .......................

[simon43]

My personal view is that these elephants should not be in any kind of elephant camp where they have to perform for tourists or provide rides etc. 

 

As Thailand opens up again to tourism, these camps should be going in the other direction >> closed down for good.

[Isaan sailor]

So why did Thailand’s elephant population crash in the last 100 years?  They were no longer valuable laborers—so they wound up in the local meat market...

[chainarong]

The video clips are not fake,  they showed us on the OZ news the little elephant baby being taken away and its mother crying and the baby crying, basically you never separate a mother and baby elephant, its a part of the pack , these morons people should be exposed about this cruelty and the full force of the law administered. 

[BritManToo]

18 minutes ago, chainarong said:

The video clips are not fake,  they showed us on the OZ news the little elephant baby being taken away and its mother crying and the baby crying, basically you never separate a mother and baby elephant, its a part of the pack , these morons people should be exposed about this cruelty and the full force of the law administered. 

So what about dogs and puppies, are they not 'part of a pack'

How about cows and calves, are they not 'part of a herd'

 

If the elephants had no use in tourist shows they'd be dead.

How many large mammals are left free to roam in your town?

Edited June 30, 2020 by BritManToo

[Mick501]

3 hours ago, brownrabbit said:

The bullhook is used as a guide. Having one allows mahouts to have a tool that can be employed if the urgent need arises - often to ensure their safety, the safety of those around them, and the safety of elephants themselves. Police officers carry guns - doesn't mean they use them, nor that they shoot people indiscriminately. Take away the bullhook and the replacements (hidden nails) or alternative (nothing) is far worse.  

Might want to read up about elephant crushing.   When the elephant is young the bull hook, a 10-15cm curved metal spike, is pushed in to the flesh and the flesh is deliberately torn. This isin sensitive areas, or areas where they see their own blood.  Eventually the elephant is "crushed" and will comply from fear, just by seeing the hook.  

 

Comparing to police is a ridiculous analogy, unless you know of police who repeatedly shoot people to get them to behave.

[saigonsunset]

Commerce over ethics ... as in so many other cases Thailand fails to meet it own (supposedly) very high standards. This is supposed to be the national animal, yet abused for the sake of earning a living. Locals pride themselves of their Budhist traditions but in real live they practice Budhism 'light' if that at all. Seeing various creatures being abused at temples so that merit makers can poor a handful half dead fish back into the water is just apaling and if that is Budhism it is good for nothing.

[brownrabbit]

34 minutes ago, chainarong said:

The video clips are not fake,  they showed us on the OZ news the little elephant baby being taken away and its mother crying and the baby crying, basically you never separate a mother and baby elephant, its a part of the pack , these morons people should be exposed about this cruelty and the full force of the law administered. 

I agree.  If this did happen then let's hope they are rightfully held to account.

 

But because it was on the Australian news does that mean it is not staged?  Which Australian news channel filmed it and did they name the location?  Or do you mean they merely showed the WAP released footage - that is doing the rounds on global mainstream media and social media?  The distinction needs to be made here.  I am not sure why the place has not been named yet.  Perhaps there is a reason but it seems a little odd to not go public and name and shame - especially when someone from the Thai government has made a request.  

 

In captive elephant training you DO need to separate mother and baby sadly - until the training is finished.  How long this takes (1, 2, maybe 3 months) depends.  Then the elephants can be returned to mother/aunt, family.  This separation happens usually when the elephant is 3-4 years old (so during those very early formative years they are always, rightfully, together).  Do not equate the pajaan (a traditional elephant blessing) and elephant training with being the same as recycled shock videos put out by Peta and WAP.  Even if the video was genuine - it does not prove this is standard practice just because they claim it does.  There are obvious reasons why they would push that narrative.      

 

Remember, these are captive elephants that spend their lifetimes around humans.  With no training and bond established between mahout and elephant, the chances of injury and deaths to humans living alongside and caring for elephants is significantly higher.  Learning is part of all life.  It is part of captive elephant life too.  It is important to note that training methods and practices have also changed for the better.     

 

Also, what about elephant healthcare?  If a mahout can't guide and have some sort of control over his elephant, how can the elephant be easily treated when healthcare is needed? Which will be often during the course of an elephant's (hopefully long) lifespan.  Note - elephants in captivity tend to live longer now than their completely wild counterparts.  This completely contradicts the belief that all mahouts and camps are abusing and exploiting their poor elephants.  Remember, many years ago elephants were used in logging - a far more brutal and demanding form of employment.   

 

Then there is the small (rather huge) matter of bull elephants.  Think for a moment how big and potentially dangerous they are.  Then there is musth - a time when a bull's testosterone levels are 60x their norm!  Think about the people who risk their lives caring for these bulls - yet going by the majority of posters on social media - just get slated from positions of total ignorance.  There is a reason why these supposedly "no hook no chains sanctuaries" do not have many bull elephants.  There is one at the much-lauded ENP - sadly confined to an enclosure after apparently taking the lives of at least two mahouts (but maybe more).  This elephant did NOT undergo training.  Rest of life in an enclosure doesn't sound like the best way to see out a lifetime.  Training then may be a very small price to pay for a captive elephant (and those charged with caring for them).      

 

So going back to what this whole issue is about.  Captive elephant training IS needed.  That DOES NOT mean unethical practices and cruel abuse.  Nor does it mean permanent separation from mother and baby.  If someone has employed such methods they are certainly not representative of all as those who work with elephants have said. 

 

I would not be so quick to fall for the one-sided narrative here promoted by animal rights organizations with vested interests (and heavily reliant on emotional donations that flow in - especially when the sad piano music set to a backdrop of almost unwatchable elephant pain and cries).  Heartbreaking edited video footage with a sad piano playing on in the background is a powerful combo.      

 

If the video was genuine and not staged then I await the places and names. 

 

I then HOPE action is rightfully taken.

 

However, it is plainly wrong to tar all those in captive elephant care with the same brush or equate essential training practices with elephant torture and abuse.   There are amazing camps where elephants are afforded all they would need to live long and healthy lives.  Captive elephant practices have also changed SO MUCH for the better.  

 

Yet someone still needs to feed and care for them and they need a big income to sustain their huge appetites.  To criticize all those caring for elephants (as many posters here are doing, and 95 pc of Western social media users commenting on the subject do) and suggesting they are all cruel and heartless animal abusers and exploiters is unhelpful, not least to the elephants themselves.   

     

[brownrabbit]

54 minutes ago, Mick501 said:

Might want to read up about elephant crushing.   When the elephant is young the bull hook, a 10-15cm curved metal spike, is pushed in to the flesh and the flesh is deliberately torn. This isin sensitive areas, or areas where they see their own blood.  Eventually the elephant is "crushed" and will comply from fear, just by seeing the hook.  

 

Comparing to police is a ridiculous analogy, unless you know of police who repeatedly shoot people to get them to behave.

Care to share the reading?  Not sensationalist animal rights pieces or blogposts from someone from the West who has spent a week "finding themselves" volunteering at an elephant sanctuary - but actual experts in captive elephant care describing how and why mahouts who love their elephants (and many regard as family) would see this as normal practice.  

[canopy]

As to where this took place note they say "footage filmed secretly at several camps at undisclosed locations". This was a smart move. Prove that it isn't just an isolated incident that can be chalked up to one oddball on one odd night but is in fact a widespread practice in Thailand.

 

[mok199]

Hopefully the day will come ,when people like this get their comeuppance....

[Antonymous]

4 hours ago, brownrabbit said:

I agree.  If this did happen then let's hope they are rightfully held to account.

 

But because it was on the Australian news does that mean it is not staged?  Which Australian news channel filmed it and did they name the location?  Or do you mean they merely showed the WAP released footage - that is doing the rounds on global mainstream media and social media?  The distinction needs to be made here.  I am not sure why the place has not been named yet.  Perhaps there is a reason but it seems a little odd to not go public and name and shame - especially when someone from the Thai government has made a request.  

 

In captive elephant training you DO need to separate mother and baby sadly - until the training is finished.  How long this takes (1, 2, maybe 3 months) depends.  Then the elephants can be returned to mother/aunt, family.  This separation happens usually when the elephant is 3-4 years old (so during those very early formative years they are always, rightfully, together).  Do not equate the pajaan (a traditional elephant blessing) and elephant training with being the same as recycled shock videos put out by Peta and WAP.  Even if the video was genuine - it does not prove this is standard practice just because they claim it does.  There are obvious reasons why they would push that narrative.      

 

Remember, these are captive elephants that spend their lifetimes around humans.  With no training and bond established between mahout and elephant, the chances of injury and deaths to humans living alongside and caring for elephants is significantly higher.  Learning is part of all life.  It is part of captive elephant life too.  It is important to note that training methods and practices have also changed for the better.     

 

Also, what about elephant healthcare?  If a mahout can't guide and have some sort of control over his elephant, how can the elephant be easily treated when healthcare is needed? Which will be often during the course of an elephant's (hopefully long) lifespan.  Note - elephants in captivity tend to live longer now than their completely wild counterparts.  This completely contradicts the belief that all mahouts and camps are abusing and exploiting their poor elephants.  Remember, many years ago elephants were used in logging - a far more brutal and demanding form of employment.   

 

Then there is the small (rather huge) matter of bull elephants.  Think for a moment how big and potentially dangerous they are.  Then there is musth - a time when a bull's testosterone levels are 60x their norm!  Think about the people who risk their lives caring for these bulls - yet going by the majority of posters on social media - just get slated from positions of total ignorance.  There is a reason why these supposedly "no hook no chains sanctuaries" do not have many bull elephants.  There is one at the much-lauded ENP - sadly confined to an enclosure after apparently taking the lives of at least two mahouts (but maybe more).  This elephant did NOT undergo training.  Rest of life in an enclosure doesn't sound like the best way to see out a lifetime.  Training then may be a very small price to pay for a captive elephant (and those charged with caring for them).      

 

So going back to what this whole issue is about.  Captive elephant training IS needed.  That DOES NOT mean unethical practices and cruel abuse.  Nor does it mean permanent separation from mother and baby.  If someone has employed such methods they are certainly not representative of all as those who work with elephants have said. 

 

I would not be so quick to fall for the one-sided narrative here promoted by animal rights organizations with vested interests (and heavily reliant on emotional donations that flow in - especially when the sad piano music set to a backdrop of almost unwatchable elephant pain and cries).  Heartbreaking edited video footage with a sad piano playing on in the background is a powerful combo.      

 

If the video was genuine and not staged then I await the places and names. 

 

I then HOPE action is rightfully taken.

 

However, it is plainly wrong to tar all those in captive elephant care with the same brush or equate essential training practices with elephant torture and abuse.   There are amazing camps where elephants are afforded all they would need to live long and healthy lives.  Captive elephant practices have also changed SO MUCH for the better.  

 

Yet someone still needs to feed and care for them and they need a big income to sustain their huge appetites.  To criticize all those caring for elephants (as many posters here are doing, and 95 pc of Western social media users commenting on the subject do) and suggesting they are all cruel and heartless animal abusers and exploiters is unhelpful, not least to the elephants themselves.   

     

 

Exceptionally well explained. Thank you so much.

 

As someone who has worked up close with elephants in Thailand for many years, I endorse everything you have said.

[wotsdermatter]

10 hours ago, holy cow cm said:

Thai and elephants are like westerners and dogs, except we don't abuse dogs.

Try getting an elephant bag with the remains of your meal at a restaurant just like in the west when they ask for a doggie bag.

9 hours ago, brownrabbit said:

The bullhook is used as a guide. Having one allows mahouts to have a tool that can be employed if the urgent need arises

Look at the blood near the right ear and see if that confirms your statement about the bull hook being only used as a guide.

'nuf sed.