It was 104°F or 40°C in Pattaya City when a video of a baby elephant collapsing in the heat was taken. This same temperature is typically considered ‘dangerous’ for humans already, with there being a risk of heat stroke and cramps. So you can only imagine how much harsher that weather is for animals.
(These adorable cheetahs are so shy that they have ‘emotional support dogs’)
Despite the danger of the heat, a horde of elephants was still made to bring tourists around like a ride. Because of this, a baby elephant who was tied to his mother seemingly succumbed to the heat and just gave up mid-walk. A video taken by a Filipino tourist shows the 1-year-old elephant rolling on the floor in absolute exhaustion. He had to be coaxed back up by his mother to finish the walk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JE1HEX-zKA
The tourist who took the video explained the context:
There are many more baby elephants tied with their mother walking around with tourists at their backs enjoying under the heat of the sun while these elephants are suffering. This one baby elephant was so exhausted, and you can see the mother comforting and encouraging her to stand.
I’m just concerned for the elephants and want to ensure their welfare is properly taken care of.
A spokesman for the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, where the incident took place, denied any abuse of animals: “All of the elephants are healthy and treated very well. If there is a problem they are treated by vets. All of the babies here are healthy.”
(LOOK: Dog is left outside and tied to a car on one of Manila’s hottest days)
For those planning any trips to Thailand in the near future, it would be best to choose carefully when considering animal attractions. There are a number of humane animal sanctuaries such as the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket or the Elephant Nature Park. You might also have a better time simply shopping, eating, and visiting temples.
What do you think we can do to stop instances like this?
