Amazing that this ad clearly shows the #bullhook connecting with the elephant’s head, and yet is being promoted as a wonderful event. Just as clearly we need to send the message that this is NOT something to support, in any way, any time. Friends of the Heart, PLEASE go to @Booklu.co's recent post on both Instagram and Facebook and comment, letting them know the truth. #NotOnMyBucketList #HumaneTourism Repost By heartofganesh: #wedding #travel #tourist #happytime #sadtimes #picoftheday #artist #art #photography #photshoot #elephant #thevoice #vegan https://www.instagram.com/p/BosSrkpnae0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17qwafl6mdhxg
Elephant Conservation is a personal long-term photo project about Asian elephants living in captivity. They are mostly used for profit in the tourist and entertainment industry and this often results in mistreatment and a harsh environment for living. It also leads to poaching of young elephants from the wild reducing the population and risking extinction.
The mahout (elephant rider & caretaker) is always in possession of the following two tools; the bull hook or aṅkuśa and a knife. The bull hook is used to train and control the elephant. It’s a sharp metal hook and the design is meant to cause pain by stabbing sensitive areas on the elephants head.
Captive elephants used in the tourist industry for trekking or circus-type shows live in constant fear. Sometimes an elephant retaliates, and people’s lives are in danger, on such occasions, this is when the knife is needed. Something to consider if you have the opportunity to ride an elephant or look at an elephant show.
A fresh wound near the elephant’s ear and older wounds on the forehead caused by the use of a bull hook.
Captive elephants are not domesticated like other livestock animals, they are still born with their natural wild instincts and behaviors. To control and train a young elephant safely in captivity it must first be broken in to accept human control. It is a traumatising process for the young elephant having all limbs tied to restrict movement while being beaten, shouted at and pierced by hooks and sticks till eventually their spirits are broken and will forever be fearful of the mahout. They are always chained when they are not working or performing with short lengths that restrict movement.
A mahout fastening a chain around an elephant’s leg after a trekking tour.
Some people and organisations are trying to bring about change; they are promoting awareness and the mindset of the industry to alternatives that are more natural and sustainable. They are also providing a natural habitat for elephants rescued from the trade. One such person is Miguel Tenorio, a lawyer turned conservationist and founder of Conserve Natural Forest a recently formed NGO. They acquired 12 acres of abandoned farmland with a stream and have planted trees to prepare a home for rescued elephants.
View of the 12-acre land acquired by Conserve Natural Forests.
Miguel watering saplings at the nursery on the 12 acre land.
Miguel meets with local elephant owners in the hopes of convincing them to give up their elephants from the trade and offer them a more free and natural way of living. It is not that easy though for most of the owners as it is their only form of income. Miguel’s long-term goal is to create an elephant sanctuary where elephants can reproduce and be introduced back to the wild.
Miguel stops at an elephant trekking camp to look at one of the elephants.
It is important to note that my intention is not to blame or point fingers at mahouts or business that use elephants for profit. These are traditions that are centuries old and it will take some time before things change to more sustainable means. It can be achieved if everyone does their part and work together.
You can see more images in my gallery “Elephant Conservation”. As my work progresses it will be updated regularly with fresh images so please return or you can send a request to be placed on the mailing list by using the contact form.
Not only are bullhooks used at Ringling behind the scenes, but they're used in the middle of shows! At 3:56 you can see a 'trainer' using a bullhook on the elephant at the far left.
If you believe this kind of behaviour is wrong, boycott the circus and encourage others to do so, spread word of the animal abuse that happens in the name of entertainment. These animals are suffering.
Look at this picture, and read the article. If you knew what the circus and entertainment industry are doing to "train" elephants, would you take your kids to the circus or to any venue featuring "trained elephants?" I wouldn't. I was taken to the circus by my parents and grandparents when I was a kid, and we took our kids once that I remember. Had I known what I'm learning these days, I would have turned into a screaming radical animal rights person when I was seven years old.
