Living in a crowded city like Mumbai can get very frustrating for us, the crowd and the lack of space gets to everyone, what about animals? Imagine what an elephant, which is the largest land animal alive today, moving around on the streets of Mumbai?

Elephants are used in Mumbai to help people make money begging. We recently happened to see one during peak-hour traffic and it was quite disheartening.

That sight is not unusual here, you may even find one even in narrow lanes with the mahout collecting money from the onlookers. Elephants are sensitive animals and they need space. They aren't suppose to be brought out on the roads to entertain people or walk on the hot concrete roads.

The picture below will give you an idea of the terrible impact it can have on the animal. The picture of the elephant in the city was taken at Juhu in Mumbai.


The Elephants eyes are moist and the colour of his ears has changed, the ends of his years seem to have split as well. The mahout (elephant rider) on noticing me taking pictures, stopped the elephant as if he was posing for a photograph, and later on came towards us to ask for money.

Such is the ignominious state of Indian elephants, thousands of them are mistreated. Last year a 30-year-old elephant, called Lakshmi, used for religious ceremonies, was allegedly knocked down by a truck and killed in the process by a drunk driver. Since then there were calls for elephants to be banned from the city.

According to a recent study elephants go insane very quickly in captivity. In many a cases they live in very bad conditions, they are chained. It is sad that the very animal which is worshipped in India as they resemble the elephant-headed God, Ganesha, is treated so badly.


Elephant Blessings in Hampi



Elephants are social creatures and in the wild, they spend about 18 hours a day walking, feeding, bathing in water holes and interacting with other elephants. Elephants do not have any place in cities.
PETA launched an awareness campaign for captive elephants recently which said "Elephants belong in the wild and not in captivity." As true as this sounds, we should help protect elephants and spread awareness about their plight in India.

Elephants in Kerala:

Thrissur Pooram a temple festival at Trichur, Kerala.



What happens when the elephant doesn't enjoy the festival?

An elephant looses his cool and decides to let everyone know.



How Strong is an Indian Elephant?

Watch the elephant easily take on a truck an overturn it!



What happens when an elephant picks on a human?



Resources:

PETA and Gateway elephant herded to police station!

Elephant injured in road accident dies

Image Source:

Celina supports PETA on Elephant captivity

Lord Ganesha Source