Asian elephants in Bangladesh are now legally protected against cruel exploitation, thanks to a monumental court order that prohibits the capture of elephants from the wild and stops licensees who allowed the animals to be put to “work,” according to BBC News.
Before the court order, licenses granted by the Forestry Department to logging companies forced elephants to haul heavy loads of logs. Elephant calves in Bangladesh were at risk of being separated from their families and forced into this logging work. Many elephants also wound up in circuses where they were forced to “entertain.”
Captive elephants were frequently observed in chains, appearing tragically malnourished, or abused to perform tricks.
Only 200 Asian elephants call Bangladesh home — half of them forced to suffer cruel captivity. This court order will help keep these critically endangered elephants wild.
Elephants are remarkably intelligent animals who form strong social bonds. This incredible win for Asian elephants will help protect the animals from cruel captivity and keep elephant families together.
Lady Freethinker applauds the High Court for putting an end to the cruel capture and exploitation of Asian Elephants.
To learn more about these remarkable animals, read about how elephants have been found to give each other names.
