Asian elephants are a greatly respected species in Asian continents, and people will go to extreme lengths to save these majestic creatures. But sometimes, there's only so much one can do before it's too late.
The Asian elephant is a majestic species.
They are extremely sociable animals...
This elephant is an important cultural symbol...
They symbolize wisdom and royal power...
These elephants are that loved, in fact, that they are celebrated every year...
But the festival has caused controversy in the past...
The Elephant Festival was canceled in the years 2012 and 2014 due to protests from animal activists.
They stated that the paints that are applied to the elephant's skin are laced with chemicals, and would be potentially harmful to these wild animals. Activists also argued that the elephants taking part in the festival were being subjected to "performing" and, as a result, the Animal Welfare Board needed to grant permission for the animals to be used.The Elephant Festival isn't the only celebration to use the animals, however...
The elephants involved in the festival are trained and come from sanctuaries...
But this sadly doesn't apply to all elephants...
There are organizations out there battling to protect these elephants...
Save Elephant Foundation is a foundation that is dedicated to protecting Asian elephants all across the continent.They promote the humane treatment of elephants and all wildlife...
"It is our mission to save the Asian elephant from extinction and give domesticated elephants a life worth living by preserving habitat and increasing public awareness on humane treatment practices," the foundation stated.They encourage the kind and respectful treatment of all elephants...
But in some cases, some of the elephants cannot be saved.
Last Sunday, an Asian elephant named Avi tragically passed away after being euthanized by the veterinary team at St. Louis Zoo.Avi was only born twenty-seven days prior to his death.
The calf had developmental issues that limited his ability to feed properly. His condition continued to worsen as more and more days passed.The zoo released a statement in which they explained their decision:
Elephant calf update. https://t.co/ObeRq8ELCX— Saint Louis Zoo (@Saint Louis Zoo)1594940821.0
Luis Padilla, DVM, Vice President of Animal Collections, for the Saint Louis Zoo later explained:
Elephant calf update: https://t.co/CnPylKO5ki— Saint Louis Zoo (@Saint Louis Zoo)1596210567.0
Avi has been near his mother Rani since the day he was born.
I thought I was depressed before but I just found out the newborn elephant calf at the St. Louis zoo had to be euth… https://t.co/7mCi21ZAfM— Collin (@Collin)1596390501.0
The veterinary team is said to be carrying out a necropsy, but the results will take weeks.
@FrankMurtaugh Even though it’s been years, I still feel a lump in my throat when I think about the baby elephant t… https://t.co/qTVZeyfTMo— Monique (@Monique)1596424465.0