Begin the Process of Retiring Elephants in Jaipur, says World Animal Protection on the Occasion of World Elephant Day
Elephant in Haathi Gaon Credit: Shubhobroto Ghosh
The elephants of Amer Fort endure a harsh existence to cater to the needs of both domestic and foreign tourists who consider riding them an act of status and curiosity. This activity fuels the traditional stereotype of India as a land of elephants and snake charmers and exotic wild animals, and adds immensely to animal cruelty and the perpetuation of suffering for the National Heritage Animal of India.
More than a decade ago, there were indications that captive elephant management in India would be appositely dealt with and proper measures would be taken to improve elephant wellbeing in captivity and to curb the illegal trade in live elephants in the region.
Unfortunately, even today, we realize that captive elephants like the ones in Jaipur, are subjected to cruelty and abuse and the whole process is being perpetuated with infusion of new animals that appear to be of wild origin. World Animal Protection has a set of standards for the maintenance of captive elephants in well maintained sanctuaries. Apart from animal husbandry and animal welfare, there are major issues surrounding he procurement of elephants and their transport within the country.
'We recognize that continuing the status quo of the captive elephants in Jaipur indefinitely is inimical to animal welfare and conservation,' says Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India. 'If there is an understanding that this flagrant abuse and exploitation of social and sentient animals that are essentially adapted to pristine wild conditions, then there cannot be any delay in initiating the conversation to retire the captive elephants used for riding and entertainment purposes in Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon in Jaipur.'
Several research documents including one by the Animal Welfare Board of India and another by Project Elephant of the Ministry of Environment and Forests show that it is in the best interests of the elephants to have the ride spectacle at Amer Fort in Jaipur phased out in favour of more animal friendly options. With rising awareness among tourists, including overseas tourists to avoid captive wildlife in entertainment venues, it is also a logical conclusion that the phasing out of elephant rides in Jaipur can enhance the international status of Jaipur as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
With animal welfare and wildlife conservation becoming part of standard conversation on environmental issues and beyond, it is well past time that the plight of captive elephants in Jaipur is addressed to take into account the holistic needs of the animals, mahouts as well as the elephant owners. Elephants belong in the wild, where they roam free with their kin. Keep elephants free where they belong, in the wild, this World Elephant Day message ought to resonate in our hearts and minds.
For more information, please contact: Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection In India
Email: gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in
Mobile phone: 9313333283
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
AI saves elephants: 6,592 safe elephant crossings on Tamil Nadu railway tracks; no fatalities in nine months
Tamil Nadu Forest Department has successfully implemented an AI-powered early warning system to protect elephants crossing railway tracks in Madukkarai, Coimbatore. The system, operational since November 2023, has recorded 6,592 safe elephant crossings through a network of 12 towers and 24 cameras monitored by 25 forest staff members, resulting in zero elephant deaths on the tracks. The Forest Department shared video evidence of the system's effectiveness, showing a family of elephants safely traversing the railway tracks in Madukkarai. The footage captured the elephants walking calmly across the tracks, demonstrating the successful integration of technology and wildlife protection measures. "TN proves what's possible when technology meets commitment. In Madukkarai, the AI-powered early warning system has ensured zero elephant deaths on rail tracks since Nov 2023. 12 towers | 24 cameras | 6,592 safe crossings | 25 forest staff on watch. Every elephant matters — TN shows the world how," the Tamil Nadu Forest Department stated in their social media post. The achievement gained additional recognition when Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Supriya Sahu shared the video on World Elephant Day, which is observed annually on August 12. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between forest rangers, track watchers, guards, loco pilots, and officers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally | Zen Life Mag Undo The monitoring system operates around the clock using thermal cameras to ensure safe passage for the elephants. "What better tribute to elephants on #WorldElephantDay than guaranteeing their right to a safe life," Sahu wrote in her social media post. "Let's do more of these interventions to ensure the long-term survival of these beautiful elephant families," Sahu added in her statement. The successful track record of 6,592 safe crossings since the system's implementation in November 2023 provides concrete evidence of its effectiveness in preventing elephant casualties on railway tracks.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Dasara elephant procession training begins on World Elephant Day
Mysuru: The Dasara elephant regiment, led by Abhimanyu, commenced training today as part of preparations for the grand Jamboo Savari procession in Mysuru. Nine elephants, including Abhimanyu, Dhananjaya, Bhima, Ekalavya, Mahendra, Kanjan, Prashant, and female elephants Kaaveri and Lakshmi, took part in the first phase of training. Starting from the elephant camp near Kodi Someshwara Temple in front of the palace, the procession moved through Balrama Dwara, K.R. Circle, Sayajirao Circle, and Ayurvedic Hospital Circle to RMC Market. Locals and visitors watched the elephants with joy, many capturing photos, while some villagers at Devaraja Market offered flowers and paid respects to the majestic animals. The training is conducted in three phases as per tradition for the 14 elephants participating in the Jamboo Savari. The first phase, which began today, involves basic training with nine elephants. In the next 10-15 days, five more elephants will join for the second phase, totaling 14 elephants. The second phase focuses on strength training, followed by training on wooden howdahs and acclimatization to sounds during the Firangi phase. The final phase includes flower offering rituals near the palace. According to DCF Prabhugouda, all elephants have undergone thorough health checks and are in good condition. They are fed special diets alongside regular food. Most of these elephants have participated in previous Dasara festivities and are well accustomed to the environment and noise. Today's training coincides with World Elephant Day, and the public is given a chance to see the elephants up close.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Nehru zoo celebrates World Elephant Day with spl. feast for jumbo inmates
Hyderabad: World Elephant Day was celebrated at the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad on Tuesday. To mark the occasion, all three female elephants were taken out of their regular display enclosure for a walk around the zoo. A special 'jumbo feast' was served to all four elephants—Vanaja, Asha, Sita, and Vijay. The feast included a variety of vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, carrot, cucumber, sweet corn, papaya, banana, watermelon, apple, pineapple, oranges, grapes, sugarcane, and coconuts. They were also given specially made cakes, weighing 5 kg each, prepared with cooked rice, ragi, fruits, and vegetables. Speaking at the event, J. Vasantha, Curator of Nehru Zoological Park, said that the zoo was very proud to celebrate World Elephant Day. As part of an educational programme, the elephants were taken out of their enclosure for a 3 km walk inside the zoo, where they ate tree branches of their choice that were within reach. With the help of animal keepers and kitchen and store staff, the jumbo cakes were made and served to all the elephants. Visitors were allowed inside the enclosure to view the elephants from close quarters. Facts about elephants and their importance in the ecosystem were also shared with the visitors. Several visitors appreciated the initiatives taken by the zoo management in educating them through the celebration of such eco-days. They said that this kind of activity created more awareness and was very educational. M. Barnoba, Deputy Curator, Dr M. A. Hakeem, Deputy Director (vet), Dr P. Srinivas, Assistant Director (Vet), NaziaThabassum, Assistant Curator-I, B. Laxman, Assistant Curator-I, and other officers, animal keepers, and office staff were present.
