Is it better to train elephants to work or train them to perform?
It seems unfair to make them work at tasks which are very hard & strenuous; it seems unfair to make them perform tasks just for the entertainment of others. In some ways it might be better for them to work rather than have to do tricks like a puppet. Performing by making them do foolish things just for the enjoyment of others seems rather disrespectuful to the elephant, however does the elephant consider its actions foolish?
So which should it to be?
Truth is it really doesn't matter what the elephant does, work or perform, as long as this huge grand animal is happy doing what it is doing & isn't forced to do anything against its will then it's all good.
So says the book called "MODOC" by Ralph Helfer (a true story & a heart warming read).
When I think about that, it seems true of most animals & we humans......as long as there is happiness surrounding the task then why subject the performance to the scrutiny of those judgemental others who think they should decide what is best for everyone.
On with the elephant...........a fascinating animal......they cry, play, laugh & have incredible memories. They have greeting ceremonies, they grieve & are very sensative. For the trainer, touching is one of the most important things they can do for their elephant. Who would think such a large powerful animal would have such gentle ways? I think there is a great deal I could learn from an elephant. I also think those that kill for the ivory should be severely punished.
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Just this morning, I was watching a show about an elephant orphanage in Nigeria or some such country. Some of these calves were orphaned at 4wks of age. The orphanage cares for them until they can be released into the wild. It was so heartwarming to see the emotional bonds the little ones formed with the 'older kids' at the orphanage. One little guy was especially fond of a female a year or two older and about twice his size. The keeps saw that, at night, he always followed her into her stall and had to be coaxed out with the bribe of a warm bottle of bedtime milk. It was decided to move his sleeping quarters to the stall next to his surrogate mommy. There, his female friend stretches her trunk through the board slats to stroke his head and face until he falls asleep at which time, the keepers quietly approach to cover him with a large colorful blanket for the night. I couldn't help myself...I cried. The compassion the keepers had for the elephants and their losses at such young ages (most of their moms were poached) was beyond encouraging. The facility was truly a happy place where these little pachyderms were being nurtured by humans as well as the company of their own kind. They even played soccer with the humans and each other during play time. It resembled a play ground full of happy loving children; building bonds that will serve them well when they are released into the wild. My heart still hurts for those who are without the company of their own kind and are being abused/tortured. I don't believe these animals would ever hurt us if we did not cause hurt/harm to them first.
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