As the country's national symbol, you would expect the people of Thailand to show nothing but respect for their elephants. But the once-majestic beasts are clearly still viewed by some as mere circus performers.
The park has 42 elephants trained to ride bicycles, play football, basketball, bowling and to dance by "zookeepers".
Exploiting the elephants this way is animal cruelty. We ask that you retire these elephants to a sanctuary where they can lead a live of normal elephant behavior in natural surroundings.
SOURCE:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1347944/Elephants-Thailand-forced-ride-tricycles-steer-trunks.html#ixzz1CnBMu7mT
Mr. Chote TRACHU
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
92 Soi Phahon Yothin 7 Phahon Yothin Road
Bangkok - 10400
Thailand
Tel: 66 2 278 8544
Fax: 66 2 278 8545
EMail: chote.t@mnre.mail.go.th, kasdaporn@gmail.com, wilailak.s@mnre.mail.go.th
As the country's national symbol, you would expect the people of Thailand to show nothing but respect for their elephants. But the once-majestic beasts are clearly still viewed by some as mere circus performers.
The park has 42 elephants trained to ride bicycles, play football, basketball, bowling and to dance by "zookeepers".
Exploiting the elephants this way is animal cruelty. We ask that you retire these elephants to a sanctuary where they can lead a live of normal elephant behavior in natural surroundings.
