What do you think of the Elephant Rides?

[Obadiah Jib]

When people hear that I work out at Fest they often share a story or give me an opinion of what they think of MRF.  Of course I have absolutely no power or influence what happens out at Fest.  I am a small fish in a big sea.  Recently a couple tales emerged around the exotic animal rides.  Just curious as to your person opinions of the Elephant/ Camel Rides.

[Rani Zemirah]

I feel great sadness for any animal made to carry people around in small circles just for amusement...

Having said that, I have to admit the thrill I feel when I see these incredibly majestic giants, the elephants, and the thought of riding one fills me with wonder. I would not ride one at the Faire, because I believe these creatures are submitted to this indignity in order to make a profit for the "owners", and for no other reason. However, if I were in a region where they are indigenous and spent their lives working closely with humans, I'm sure I would have few qualms about riding one. I wonder at the line I have drawn here, and if there is any true difference in either state of existence.

I have admired elephants more than any other animal for as long as I can remember, and collect figurines frequently, but have never kept any of them for more than a few years at most. I usually gift them without forethought to someone who then reveals an equal lifelong admiration.

I am not sure what my opinion of the camel rides is. I know I don't feel the same as with the elephants, and it is possibly because camels have been portrayed as so domesticated throughout historical literature, whereas elephants are celebrated for their wild independence and undeniable intelligence. Even working elephants display high levels of comprehension and cooperation, while camels must be led in every task, and actively coerced in most (at least in my imagination).

Still... seeing, and smelling, the exotic animals at Faire does ad to the overall ambiance that makes it such a unique and wonderful experience.

I guess my answer to your original question is that I am conflicted. Sorry, not much help, I guess.

[Lady L]

I love most animals and I paint them. I love the elephants especially, they are such intelligent creatures. I just like to watch them and feel their energy. One year, one of them kissed my hand, which I was later told is considered very good luck. One of them posed for me, when I asked it to, using mental thought projection/telepathy. Maybe no one believes that and I don't care, because I had witnesses. 
I realize that most people don't share my connection with animals, of any kind.

My grandaughter and husband rode a camel this year, for Middle Eastern weekend, because I wanted photos.

Now I am curious what tales you were told...

[Tarac]

  The thing I like is that these Elephants were Rescue Animals from Poachers, My granddaughter rode on them this year and I personally think it is great that kids get a chance to see them this close and touch them. They even have a sign to have patrons buy Pickles for the Elephants.
   On the other hand yes seeing them in captivity is sad but as said before they will get to live and not be hunted for there hides.

[Ottheinrich]

Even working elephants display high levels of comprehension and cooperation, while camels must be led in every task, and ...

I love this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk

[Noble Dreg]

We should leave them where they were, to be hunted, poached, and starved to extinction.



I've heard stories some mis-treat dogs and cats, therefore none should be allowed to own dogs and cats!

[Tipsy Gypsy]

I love this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk

That is probably the coolest thing I will see all day.

I've never observed the elephants and camels being treated badly backstage at my home faire, at least. In my opinion, though, it just doesn't seem like a good idea to mistreat something big enough and smart enough to stomp a mudhole in your arse.

[Charlotte Rowan]

One of my favorite things to do at Fest is to go stand by the elephant fence and watch them. I love it how they explore everything with their trunks and try to drink everyone's beer!

One time, one of the camels tried to drink wine out of my mug. That was great. As he approached, he maintained the same aloof appearance as always, and then, right at the last moment, he stuck out his neck and stuck his nose in my mug. Ha! Cheeky camel!

[Toarmod]

Even working elephants display high levels of comprehension and cooperation, while camels must be led in every task, and ...

I love this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk

Cool! Good stuff there!

[Will Gamwell]

I love the elephants, and the camels.  Like Charlotte said, they have their sense of humor for sure.  Never rode them, never intend to. 

Now the llamas on the other hand!  Well, lets not get me started on them!

[Lady Christina de Pond]

elephant ride what? i mean come on did they really ride elephants in england during the renassance? No? then why do we need em at fest. and i don't like the poor animals made to walk around and around in circles

[Lady Amy of York]

There use to be an elephant at  Sterling that you could ride on. Judy was her name. Everyone loved her. She was in a nice semi shadey spot, had a big area to walk around in, and seemed to have plenty  of hay  and  water.
   My son just loved riding her, and  could not wait to ride  her this year. Well when faire came  around  this  year, there was no elephant.    The camel was there though. We  asked  the guy  with the camel  what happen  to    Judy, the  elephant  and he  told us  the following :
  " Thank your  lawmakers  in  New York state.  New York state has made it illegal  for a person to be  around   an exotic and  endangered  animal  such as an elephant ".

Personally i can see why they made the law.  I mean  yes, Judy was well taken care of, but over  the years,I have seen  animals  kept in small, dirty,  poor  conditions.  I  use to be  a compeitive horsewoman, and i can tell you stories  you would not belive.
     So yes, i do miss having the elephant at the faire, but I am glad there are laws out there  to protect   the animals .

[Synnovea]

I love this clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He7Ge7Sogrk

That has got to be one of the coolest things I have seen...paints better than I can!

[Rani Zemirah]

That is the most amazing clip! I watched it with my mouth hanging open the whole time... LOL

I didn't think it was possible to admire elephants more than I did already... I guess I was wrong.

[Charlotte Rowan]

elephant ride what? i mean come on did they really ride elephants in england during the renassance? No? then why do we need em at fest.

Well consider this... were there fairies, belly dancers, or decent sanitation around Renaissance England either? Do you really want Fest without these things?