PETA Exposes Elephant Abuse: Shocking footage released by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) this week reveals the brutal treatment of elephants at the ongoing Chitwan Elephant Festival in Nepal. Despite assurances from organizers that measures were in place to prevent abuse, the video shows handlers using wooden sticks and sharp tools to beat and jab elephants into submission.
In one disturbing incident captured on camera, a mahout struck and jabbed an elephant over 64 times in just five minutes while preparing for the festival’s elephant football event. The video also shows the handler kicking the elephant’s sensitive ears and repeatedly hitting its head to force compliance.
The footage has sparked widespread outrage, with critics condemning the festival’s continued exploitation of elephants for entertainment. PETA emphasized the harm caused to both animals and Nepal’s tourism industry, stating, “Elephants want to be with their families in nature, not beaten, stabbed, and forced to play senseless games for human amusement.”
Sponsors Respond Swiftly
In response to the revelations, finance companies Khalti and eSewa have withdrawn their sponsorships from the event. PETA has also appealed to other sponsors, including PepsiCo, BYD Auto, Kumari Bank, Vianet, and TechMinds Network, urging them to cut ties with the festival immediately.
Elephants in Captivity Suffer Severely
Elephants are known for their intelligence and social nature, forming close family bonds and mourning the loss of loved ones. However, in captivity, they are deprived of their natural environment and often exhibit signs of severe psychological distress, such as repetitive, obsessive behaviors.
PETA is calling for an end to the use of elephants in such events and urging organizers to adopt cruelty-free alternatives that respect animal welfare and promote ethical tourism.
