Shocking undercover footage has revealed elephants showing signs of trauma as they were stabbed with hooks or nails and left with their legs chained at Thai tourist attractions.
The Los Angeles-based Lady Freethinker Organization (LFT) conducted the survey in August 2022.
Footage taken by one of their investigators shows the abuse and mistreatment of animals at each of the centers.
Elephants are at the mercy of tourist attraction workers, who carry hooks.
LFT’s investigation revealed that the animals were visibly distressed and exhibited signs of zoochosis, a behavior seen in animals in captivity.
They were rocking, swaying and pacing in most footage while another elephant had a wound on its cheek and a tear stain under its eye.
The Los Angeles-based Lady Freethinker Organization (LFT) carried out the investigation in August 2022. Pictured: some of the chained elephants at one of the tourist attractions
In the footage, music plays as three elephants appear to move in a line of three, with two standing on their hooves with their hooves on as they perform ‘tricks’ for an audience.
Another part of the footage showed an elephant in a water tank which was photographed by tourists
Also in the video, a baby elephant called Saan Suay was seen meeting a tourist and grabbing his shirt by his trunk.
As punishment, one of the workers at the center hit her twice with a bull hook handle.
The calf was seen backing away after the incident. Later, Saan Suay had a nail driven into her side several times and was seen swinging from side to side.
Saan Suay was born at Khao Kheow Zoo months ago and was seen eating her favorite fruits and vegetables in front of news cameras along with eight other elephants.
But LFT’s investigation has revealed a shocking reality behind the scenes, where elephants are also kept on short, heavy chains and cannot move.
The investigation also revealed that a baby was feeding from its mother while chained up at one of the tourist attractions.
Also in the video, a baby elephant called Saan Suay was seen meeting a tourist and grabbing his shirt by his trunk. As punishment, one of the workers at the center hit her twice with a bull hook handle
Later, Saan Suay had a nail stabbed in her side several times and was seen rocking from side to side
They often have their legs chained to concrete slabs or standing in their own waste.
And a mother and child were seen chained up at one of the tourist attractions, with the baby feeding.
Also at tourist attractions, elephants perform tricks for loud and large audiences.
In the footage, music plays as three elephants appear to move in a line of three, with two standing on their hooves.
Another trick shows an elephant moving a hoop around its trunk as a child stands in a chair beside them.
Another elephant had a wound on its cheek and a tear stain under its eye (pictured)
Additionally, costumed elephants are seen in formation as one male stands and sits on his back and another sits with his trunk rolled up.
Another trick shows an elephant moving a hoop around its trunk as a child stands in a chair beside them.
Chained elephants are seen standing in their own waste at one of Thailand’s tourist attractions (pictured)
Also, elephants in costumes are seen in formation as one male stands and sits on his back and another sits with his trunk rolled up.
And in another clip, an elephant is seen in a water tank as tourists take pictures of it.
Lady Freethinker President and Founder Nina Jackel said: “Stabbing, chaining and exploiting these animals is a disgrace to dignified elephants, who are known to empathize with others, mourn loved ones and distinguish between languages. “.
“LFT calls on Thai authorities to immediately investigate these facilities and move the abused animals to reputable sanctuaries where they can live as elephants should.”
The organization has launched a petition against the chaining and abuse of elephants in Thailand.
