Indian elephant rampage prompts call for safari park shutdown

Animals have been used for years to assist humans. Dogs search for people under rubble, help sick individuals with daily activities and dog therapy, or serve in law enforcement. Horses have bravely accompanied humans in wars, battles, transport, sports, and hippotherapy. The most emotionally stable ones are employed in police and military roles. Cats are found in felinotherapy, although this form of animal therapy is less popular. In Japan, special cafes are emerging where people can interact with rabbits, hedgehogs, or capybaras. Asia, notably, is known for using elephants.

In early July, a video of an elephant attacking a man circulated on social media. According to the "Daily Mail," the incident occurred on June 20 at an elephant safari park in southern India near Kallar, in the Idukki region of Kerala. Shortly before, the caretaker had been severely beating the 53-year-old elephant on its legs and issuing commands to it.

The furious elephant knocked its trainer over and subsequently trampled him multiple times. When the animal’s caretaker, M. Balakrishnan, was already motionless, the elephant grabbed him by the neck with its trunk and threw him to the ground. The 62-year-old man died on the spot. His body was subjected to an autopsy before being released to his family for a dignified burial.

The incident involving the 53-year-old elephant sparked a debate on the humanity of the elephant safari park. The Forestry Department ordered the immediate closure of the attraction named Kerala Farm, located in the village of Devikulam taluk in Anaviratty. Indian authorities declared that the park's closure was necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of elephants and investigate potential violations of elephant safari regulations.