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Elephants that paint

by Jamie Rhein on Apr 13th 2008 at 12:00PM

On Anderson Cooper 360° last week, there was a brief video of a elephant painting a picture in Thailand as part of a show geared towards tourists. I wonder if this is a new trick? When I was in Chiang Mai a few years back, we went to Mae Taeng Elephant Park on a tour that included elephant, ox-cart and raft rides. I don't recall the painting demo. I do recall one elephant putting a foot on a tourist who was face down on the ground and thought, "That's brave." The painting looks quite tame in comparison. This video was shot at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, also near Chiang Mai.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Thailand, Video

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brice Apr 13th 2008 9:19PM

Last time I was in Chiang Mai, I'd say... around 2005, I did visit this camp and saw the painting demo in person. It was quite interesting, but the catch of it was that these paintings that he makes cost upwards of 100 US dollars. So it's not particularly old per say, but I'm pretty sure that it's only at this certain camp. Though I did see the thing with the elephant "stepping" on the tourist as well... loud screaming... good times... goood times...

Robyn Forester Apr 14th 2008 6:43AM

Sadly, this is true and is performed at various places in Thailand.

If you look closely you will see the mahout holding a nail guidng the elephant.

I can assure you the elephants are not doing it through choice.

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