How I Became an ELEPHANT 2012
Jr. High - General Adult
Activism, Animal Rights, Animal Behavior, Animal Welfare, Tourism Industry
Date Entered: 07/18/2014
Reviewed by Sandy Costanza D’Youville College, Buffalo, NYThe majestic elephant known to us as pachyderm, Jumbo, Dumbo and Babar has been used and abused by humans for centuries both as a work animal hauling heavy loads, pushing obstacles, falling trees and as an entertainer in circuses, road shows, fairs, amusement parks and zoos. Have you ever wondered how the elephants got there and how they were trained to do such tasks? How I became an ELEPHANT examines just that.
Juliette West is a 14-yr old elephant activist. In combination with her father, Tim Gorski and “The Elephant Lady” Lek in Thailand, they set out to rescue an elephant named Ratee who has been force bred so many times that Lek feels if not rescued she will not survive. Labeled the “The Jane Goodall of elephants” Lek has treated and rescued hundreds of elephants relocating them to the Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand. Some are so injured they aren’t able to return to the wild in which case they are able to live out their remaining years in a loving, non-threatening environment while roaming the sanctuary.
Although I highly recommend this film it is important to note that it is not for the faint of heart as some of the footage is disturbing. Scenes of elephants being abused with a bull hook, chained and exhibiting anxious behavior as well as the scenes of ”seven days in the crush” are extremely graphic. This graphic footage makes this film a great learning tool to raise awareness for not only the elephant but for all animals. As Juliette has demonstrated one person CAN make a difference but with the awareness this film will bring, a bunch can change the herd!