Sacred elephants on parade during the Gangaur Festival, Jaipur, India. If you click through on the image, you can view the rest of his colorful Indian elephant photographs.
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About the Author
Jaya Schillinger
I'm passionate about wild elephant conservation. It's something that has overtaken my heart and soul. After a trip to Kenya, where I went to see wild elephants and meet some of my conservationist heroes, I returned to Northern California, asking, "What can I do to help?" So I began writing.
I'm looking for opportunities to work with other elephant philanthropists for events, travel/tourism, corporate social responsiblity ventures, and media productions. I also accept requests to review elephant books, DVD's, and other products.
Thank you for reading and helping to save our elephant friends!
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I'm interested -- do you like these photos? They make me sad. Temple elephants have a horrible life. India recently mandated that all elephants in zoos and circuses must be moved to wildlife parks, sanctuaries, etc. I wish they would extend it to temple elephants.
Posted by: Amy | December 12, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Yes Amy, I think this photo collection is well done and offers an interesting glimpse into a cultural event most us of will never see.
What you really seem to be asking me is about the content of the photos. I have mixed feelings about how they are "tarted up" with paint. I've never been able to get a straight answer on how that paint might affect their skin. I loathe the artist Banksy for this piece http://racheleeve.com/blogkit/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ele31.jpg ) because I'm sure that much paint is occlusive. If you know anything about that, please share.
What really concerns me about this particular image is the prostetic tusks. I asked the photographer if he knew anything about how they are attached, but he was just an observer. I hope they aren't harming the elephant. Can you tell?
Again, these are reasons why the photo is so interesting. It shows you something most of don't see.
I don't know very much at all about the temple elephants. Most of my focus has been on African elephants thus far. I've read mixed reports: some atrocious stories about dehydrated ellies carrying far too many people on their backs without rest. A dispicable way to treat "Ganesh." But I've also read some reports about temple elephants being treated humanely.
If you have something for me to read, please send a link!
Posted by: Jaya Schillinger | December 12, 2009 at 03:14 PM