Slave Labor

Posted by Tracey (Maryland, United States) on 5 October 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
September 20, 2009

I know the title of this one was very harsh, but that is how I feel about the elephant ride at the Faire. I was very distraught to see the animal "trainer" using a sharp hook to stab this adorable elephant in the legs to get him to move.

The ride consisted of a closed in space about 30 yards by 30 yards. The elephant would just walk in a slow circle over and over again. I did see the trainer give him water and some food, but it still saddened me. My family did not partake of the rides and condone this practice.

I love the elephant's eye. It seems to reveal the soul and the sadness of the animal.

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Comments (6)

margaret from United States

Hello my friend! Just checking in to let you know I made it :-)

Also - my heart breaks for this elephant. The elephant is one of Nature's most gentle and most intelligent creatures. Just so you know, this guy should be covered under the United States Animal Welfare Act. With only a few exceptions, the Act lays out standards for the humane care and use of animals that are used in shows/performances, breeding for profit, research etc. - basically, anything where animals are used as part of a money-making enterprise. If this guy was being treated inhumanely, it is possible that a violation of the law took place. Just my $0.02. Hugs to you!

5 Oct 2009 10:33am

@margaret: Thanks for the comment, Margaret! I know how dear animals are to your heart, and I thought of you when I saw this elephant. I don't like any animal stuck in a pen being forced to do circles over and over again. I think it breaks their spirit! Thanks for your 2 cents and following me over! xoxo

Mhélène from Paris, France

A superb photo ! I can understand you feel so ...sad title but reality ! in your photo ,colors and texture are superb !

5 Oct 2009 10:50am

@Mhélène: Thanks for the visit! It is very sad. I think elephants are full of soul and it broke my heart to see this one's plight.

Debbie from United States

Hi Tracey.....I'm Here!

It was heartbreaking to read about this elephant. I'm with you, I can't condone or support this type of practice.

5 Oct 2009 12:49pm

@Debbie: Thanks Debbie! I am glad you made the switch and I will be happy to see you here every now and again! xoxo

Jessica from United States

Hi Tracey! Just wanted you to know that I made it and have added this to my reader.

5 Oct 2009 5:32pm

@Jessica: Thanks Jess! I need all the support I can get.

MadScientist from Düsseldorf, Germany

A species-inappropriate handling of animals is always saddening, especially the more intelligent species (monkeys, elephants, various birds etc.) often develop a full-blown hospitalism. But you did a friendly and worthy portrait of this majestic animal, nonetheless!

5 Oct 2009 8:41pm

@MadScientist: Thanks MS! I know...you can see in the eyes of this animal that there are goings-on in that brain. Intelligent indeed!