End Indian Elephant Performances: Act Now

1 Feb 2024

End Indian Elephant Performances: Act Now

Recommended for Preparatory Grades

Picture this: the majestic Indian Elephant, revered and celebrated, yet caught in a paradox of cruelty and neglect. We’ve seen the ban on using monkeys, lions, tigers, panthers, and bears in performances in India, a commendable move indeed.

But why are elephants still left out? It’s time to delve into this, to uncover the harsh realities and push for a change that’s long overdue. Our focus? The plight of these noble creatures and the urgent need to rewrite their story.

The Harsh Reality Behind the Curtain

Let’s cut to the chase. Elephants in circuses and tourist attractions aren’t living the dream; they’re enduring a nightmare. Picture this: majestic creatures, symbols of strength and wisdom, reduced to objects of entertainment. Inspections by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) have peeled back the curtain on this grim world.
Elephants are beaten, starved, dehydrated, and shackled in their own waste. Imagine standing in chains, day in, day out, your spirit broken. This isn’t just a bad scene; it’s a horrifying reality.

Physical and Psychological Scars

Visual impairments, swollen joints, gangrene – the list of ailments these elephants suffer is as long as a bad road trip with no end in sight. They sway, bob their heads, and weave – not out of joy, but from severe psychological distress. It’s like watching someone you respect lose their mind. Healthy elephants don’t behave this way. This isn’t just sad; it’s an outright tragedy.

The Legal Paradox and Cultural Dissonance

Here’s the kicker: the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 prohibits capturing these elephants. But the law and practice are on different pages. It’s like having a rule that’s more ignored than an out-of-order restroom.
These animals are torn from their families, trafficked, and held illegally. Inspections and reports reveal a shocking disregard for legal procedures. It’s a blatant violation, not just of the law but of basic decency.

The Social Fabric of Elephants

Elephants aren’t just animals; they’re societies on the move. They walk up to 50 kilometers a day, problem-solve together, and lean on the wisdom of their elders. To rip them from this fabric is to tear apart a family. Imagine being uprooted from your home, your community – it’s unthinkable. Yet, that’s the daily reality for these elephants.

A Call to Action: Protecting India’s Heritage Animal

Why the double standard? If we’ve extended protections to other animals, why are elephants still waiting in the wings? It’s high time we level the playing field. Let’s not just acknowledge the Indian Elephant as a heritage animal; let’s treat it like one.

How You Can Make a Difference

Here’s where you come in. It’s not just about feeling bad; it’s about doing something. Sign the appeal below. Your signature isn’t just ink on paper; it’s a voice for those who can’t speak. These signatures will go to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.
It’s a step towards changing the narrative, towards ending this saga of suffering.

Add Your Signature Here

Reflection

In the end, it’s not just about saving the Indian Elephant; it’s about preserving our humanity. It’s about recognizing that in their suffering, we see our own failings. It’s a call to action, to rise above, to show that we care not just in words, but in deeds. So, let’s not just stand by. Let’s be the change, for the Indian Elephant, for us, and for the generations to come.

PETA India, for the uninitiated, stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It’s not just an organization; it’s a movement, a collective conscience urging us to treat all beings with respect and dignity. They’re the unsung heroes in this fight, striving to make the world a kinder place for animals.