The death of Indra, an elephant used in a Mexican circus, is a heartbreaking end to a situation already steeped in tragedy.

Humans have so profoundly — and perversely — impacted elephants, it should come as no surprise that when opportunity presented itself, Indra made a break for it. She was hit and killed by a bus on a Mexican highway. The bus driver also died.

Elephants are exceedingly intelligent, highly social animals who live in intricate and complex family structures. In the wild, elephants protect each other, care for orphaned babies, and travel many miles a day to maintain their health and well being. In circuses, they spend their lives in chains and in boxcars. They learn to fear the bullhook (a rod with a sharp metal hook on the end), which is used to terrorize them into submission.

Elephants have been beaten, battered and broken. Who can blame them for wanting their freedom? Rest in peace, Indra.

 
Jennifer O’Connor

animals in entertainment

campaign writer

People for the Ethical

Treatment of Animals

Norfolk, Va.