This film reminded me of Blackfish, people in the industry who have realised the brutality of the system, openly discuss the historical backdrop, that all current institutions uphold. They reveal the links to the circus, the egomaniacle behaviours of those currently involved and prove that financial gain trumps animal welfare. To witnessed the juxtaposition of pregnant elephants birthing in the wild compared to the birthing in captivity, actually broke me.
The most striking realisation about watching this particular documentary, and after Blackfish; is the trade of places. By this I mean, that to take a wild animal and mental, physically, financially and sexually abuse (breeding programme) that sentiment being, the people around them become savage, indiscriminate, cruel and inhumane. The trainers and profiteers become wild animals in their rational of what they are doing.
There is hopeful content that shows elephants being rescued and taken to a sanctuary, where they safely learn to rest and be with other elephants. Thank you to all the people who took risks to get the footage of the abuses to be shared in the film. My heart also goes out to all the families who are attached to the zoo abusers, I cannot imagine that people so desensitised to misery and suffering, would be nice people to be around or live with. Although unlike the elephants, you can get up and leave, unless they take the chains home!
If you can watch this film and still feel that concrete, money loving zoo's are a good thing, I would be surprised and saddened.
Since seeing the film my own sadness eventually gave way to boiling anger and a desire to join the activities that speak up for the voiceless. I began Tweeting (X) Governments, Mayors, town councils, institutions and business owners themselves, and a few months on my account has been 'labelled' and frozen. Interesting!
