In the article entitled, “No Ethical Way to Keep Elephants in Captivity” by Ed Stewart, the reader is introduced to a progressive issue or concern that has been debated about for decades. This issue involves whether it is ethical or not to keep elephants in captivity. Mr. Stewart is very clear and concise on what his thoughts are on this issue as he describes the cruel nature and hazardous conditions that many elephants in captivity experience such as: “deadly foot disease and arthritis, infertility, obesity, and abnormal repetitive behaviors such as swaying and head bobbing” (Stewart, 2013). Mr. Stewart, who is the founder of PAWS, which stands for “Performing Animal Welfare Society” goes into immense detail about his position against allowing elephants to be kept in captivity; for example in circuses and certain types of zoos.
I found his article was not only educational, but depicted his true passion in his campaign to keep animals that are in captivity being allowed to stay in the wild where they belong. The article was compelling and really made me feel a similar disgust for environments that keep elephants this way. One poignant note I found to be interesting was when he stated “A person would not need to look farther than National Geographic’s own articles and films that document the intricate and wide range of social relationships an elephant needs” (Stewart, 2013). I had never really thought about how the media affects our thoughts on the needs of animals and if displayed in a positive light, we may not know the underlying issues taking place. One question I would have for Mr. Stewart might be; “If you believe elephants should not be used for entertainment purposes like they are in circuses, does he believe another animal would be better to take its place”?
References
Stewart, Ed. "No Ethical Way to Keep Elephants in Captivity." National Geographic Society
Blogs. N.p., 2013. Web. 02 Aug. 2016.
