Geek Culture

Several years ago, we watched with wonder at a zoo in Tennessee as the elephants created some beautiful free form abstract paintings. They were not coached and,unlike this one, dipped their own paint brushes in which ever color they wanted next. They said that elephants are so intelligent that in captivity they need some cognitive stimulation to prevent them from getting bored and fall ill (depressed?). Painting is just one of the things they did. They sold the art to support the program so we got a chance to look through a bunch of them. It was quite varied in theme and tone. Some were bright and joyous, some were dark and calm, etc. I think I even recall being able to distinguish between the styles of the individual elephants. We still own one of the paintings and it is, IMHO, a beautiful painting.

The Elephant shape is very impressive! But the flower blows it all... I can't believe that is artist impression of the elephant itself. It's to much human thinking...

For the people that complain about exploitation and such - keep in mind without these programs, the elephants would have to be put down.

Unlike the US and their circus elephants - these elephants used to work in the wilderness moving lumber. Since cutting lumber has been halted in Thailand (most of the business having moved to Burma and neighboring countries with less government restrictions) these elephants have since become unemployed.

Some Mahouts bring their elephants into the city to beg / sidewalk perform (at least until the cops chase them away), so outside of begging - these elephant sanctuaries are a much more humane option.

Consider the facts (and alternatives) before complaining - you PETA fanatics :-)

I took the Mahout Course at TECC and fell in love with the elephants. Where on earth can you go & be with an elephant. The elephants at TECC are not exploited. These are very happy well adjusted little humans. I have not seen such happy elephants anywhere - TECC is doing a wonderful job finding ways to give the elephants choices to help them learn, have fun & feel good.Tenn. Sanctuary is doing a wonderful job for our poor circus/zoo animals. The National Zoo is doing some wonderful things for the elephant. But TECC I have nothing but praise for their research. The elephants are motivated by mutual respect between human & elephant. They have the forgiveness thing like our tv show The Nanny. I saw it in action and it works. If the elephants have to be in limited jungle space - then TECC has the right idea: art, music, dance, sports - whatever the elephants chooses to do - whatever turns that elephant on to be happy. We are moving into a new era to learn how to respect the emotional development & high IQ of an animal. They deserve to be saved, to be a part of our life, to teach us about their family life vs our family life - to share with us all their talents that have been dorment for so long - to share their love, to be respected for their gifts to us and to have a place in our everyday lives & hearts. PS: About their painting - the abstract paintings come from their hearts/feelings - the academic paintings - they are taught like our children are taught in preschool & first grade. You would not call a small preschooler in art school that their painting is "fake" - so why tell the elephant learning the same things that they are "fake"? If we can praise the preschooler for their academic art ability - then why not show the same respect to the elephant & their God-given talent. Children sometimes "have" to go to Art School - but the elephants choose to go and love it (those that do choose & go). Choice is just as important to TECC elephants as it is to kids. Emily