A Russian photographer is facing intense backlash after an elephant she painted bright pink for a controversial photo shoot in India died several months later, reigniting debate over the use of animals in commercial photography. Photographer Julia Buruleva, 47, became the focus of widespread criticism after images from the project resurfaced following the death of the … [Read more...] about Outrage Erupts After Elephant Painted Bright Pink for Photo Shoot Dies Months Later
Ethical Tourism
Calls Grow For Elderly Circus Elephant To Be Retired To A Sanctuary
Animal welfare advocates are renewing calls for Okha, a 56-year-old elephant, to be retired from circus performances and moved to a permanent sanctuary. According to campaigners, Okha is currently the only elephant still traveling with a road circus in the United States. They argue that after decades of performing, she should be allowed to spend her remaining years in a more … [Read more...] about Calls Grow For Elderly Circus Elephant To Be Retired To A Sanctuary
Blind elephant takes first steps to freedom after a lifetime of abuse
A 46-year-old blind elephant has taken her first steps to freedom after a lifetime of abuse and captivity. Karma spent a lifetime being herded through the crowded streets of India carrying heavy loads or begging, a stressful experience for a blind elephant. She was rescued by Wildlife SOS in December 2019 and is gaining her confidence back in her new … [Read more...] about Blind elephant takes first steps to freedom after a lifetime of abuse
A Zoo Where Humans Are Caged and Animals Roam Free
When the roles are reversed, the experience changes completely Imagine entering a zoo where you are no longer the one walking freely, staring through fences. Instead, you are the one inside a cage—sealed safely inside a vehicle—while the animals move freely around you. This is exactly the concept behind Lehe Ledu Wildlife Zoo in Chongqing, a place designed to flip the … [Read more...] about A Zoo Where Humans Are Caged and Animals Roam Free
Elephant finally rescued after over 80 years in shackles – finally lays down and rest
Elephants aren’t made for a life in chains. Yet they’re still paraded around like circus props – utterly appalling in my opinion. Fortunately, attitudes are starting to shift. And today, let’s choose to focus on the positive, even though Grandma Somboon’s story begins in horror and cruelty. This elephant was kidnapped from her natural habitat as a young calf and … [Read more...] about Elephant finally rescued after over 80 years in shackles – finally lays down and rest