Controversy over elephant polo

Sunny Sebastian

Animal protection groups for cancellation of the event to be held in Jaipur

File Photo: AFP

An elephant polo match in progress.

JAIPUR: There is much ado about elephants, who are scheduled to play polo here in the Pink City this Saturday. Titled "alternative elephant polo", the event supported by jewellery major Cartier has got into a major controversy involving animal protection groups such as PETA and PFA (People for Animals).

Interestingly, the responsibility for hosting the event at Rambagh Polo Grounds here is partnered by the UK-based Elephant Family, a group dedicated to the welfare of Asian elephants and HIS (Help in Suffering), a Jaipur-based NGO, which takes care of animals in distress. The event purportedly is to present "a model of how elephants and humans can relater to each other humanely".

The protest groups, which are demanding cancellation of the event - as it, according to them, involves cruelty to the elephants— has reportedly served legal notices to the Rajasthan Government seeking an immediate ban on use of elephants for entertainment.

The protests have caught the attention of the local and the international media as some of the persons involved are celebrities.

Ironically, the volley of protests over elephant polo came in the wake of the organisers promising "elephant polo with a difference"— that is, the avoidance of the use of "ankush" (sharp metal hooks) by mahouts in the game. HIS and Elephant Family, which have been working for a more humane treatment of the 100-odd elephants employed at the historic Amber Fort here for joyrides, consider the coming game a breakthrough.

"It is not harsh on elephants," says Mark Shand, trustee of Elephant Family. "This is an awareness event on the animal. There will not be any application of `ankush' or other forms of implements on the elephants during the game. Elephants love to play and move around. The current diatribe is seemingly motivated... "

Mr.Shand, an India-lover, is the brother of Camilla Parker and friend to former Queen Mother of Jaipur Gayatri Devi.

"We are glad to be associated with the elephant polo event," said Patrick Normand, Managing Director of Cartier Middle East and Asia, interacting with media persons on the occasion of unveiling of the Cartier trophy.