eleblog » Events

‘No’ to elephant for festival at Alappuzha temple

Kim — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:34:54 +0000

“Thus, at a time when temple festivals cannot do without elephants, the Kanichukulangara Temple in Alappuzha district has become the first in the State to discontinue the use of elephants.” – Express Buzz

Elephant polo is Campbells’ kingdom

Kim — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:17:17 +0000

“Elephant polo is a three a side apparently and each animal has a mahout (or driver) and a Campbell, or whomever, wielding a very long bamboo polo mallet. It’s a penalty offence for your elephant to lie down in front of the goal. Other hazards include elephants treading on the ball, which obviously takes some time to extract from the pitch.” – Blatherskite

New Yorkers Bid for Elephant Polo Glory

Kim — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:20:28 +0000

New York Blue, America’s elephant polo team, is heading to Nepal to compete in the World Elephant Polo Tournament. Since elephants aren’t available in New York, they have been practicing on top of SUV’s. I think the players will be in for a rude awakening when the climb onto one of the elephants.

What do you think of this “sport”? Do you think the elephants enjoy it? I tend to think it makes a spectacle of them much like the circus does.

“Elephant polo, played in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand by a wealthy few to the rules of horse polo but on a smaller field, is uniquely challenging. So is clinging to the roof of an SUV in a gale with practice mallets fashioned from paint roller handles and plumbing parts. “

(via)The Times of India

photo credit: the_millers

The secrets of elephant polo

Kim — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:23:05 +0000

This article includes a video about the Scottish Elephant Polo Team who are hoping to win the world cup.

“A team from Scotland hopes to reclaim glory in the Elephant Polo World Cup.”

– BBC NEWS

Elephants and paradise, Babar and Milton

Kim — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:25:25 +0000

“What do John Milton and the elephant Babar have in common? They’re both currently on display, in a fashion, at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York.” – Los Angeles Times

Auckland Zoo’s beloved elephant Kashin turns 40

Kim — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:09:35 +0000

“People turned out in droves to Auckland Zoo on Sunday as Kashin the elephant celebrated her 40th birthday.” – tvnz.co.nz

Elephants, acrobats enliven Sri Lankan Buddhist festival

Kim — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:59:19 +0000

“Nearly 100 caparisoned elephants, dancers and torchbearers walked down the streets of this central city decorated with colourful lights and flags as the annual Buddhist festival of Kandy Perahera (pageant) was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The colourful parade began Saturday night from the sacred Buddhist shrine of Dalada Maligawa, showcasing the temple custodians known as Nilames, who were dressed up like ancient kings. The festivities also included traditional Kandyan dancers, fire-juggling acrobats, palanquins, musicians and torchbearers, who followed the elephants through the streets.” – Thaindian News/a>

Asian elephants in the spotlight

Kim — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:55:46 +0000

“The Rosamond Gifford Zoo put their Asian Elephants in the spotlight Saturday. The four elephants were at the focal point of a showcase of Asian culture.” – News 10 Now

Asian Elephant Extravaganza

Kim — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:51:08 +0000

“Saturday kicked off the Asian Elephant Extravaganza at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The event honors Asian culture, while showing off the herd of Asian elephants that are at the zoo.” – NewsChannel 9 WSYR

Mahouts threaten to boycott Mysore Dasara festivities

Kim — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:17:43 +0000

“As the countdown for Gajapayana, scheduled to be held on August 18, has began, the tribal people living in the Nagarahole forest and mahouts and kavadis (helpers) of caparisoned elephants have threatened to boycott the Dasara festivities if the State Government fails to concede their long-pending demands.” – The Hindu

Strange: Vols are cut down to size by elephants (not Alabama)

Kim — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:25:14 +0000

“Ayers, a Tennessee senior defensive end, has seen most of the linemen in the SEC. Next to Edie and Jana, a 350-pounder in shoulder pads looks like a jockey.” – : GoVolsXtra.com

Kerala elephants take a break with ayurveda

Kim — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:32:32 +0000

“After the grueling festival season, its time for complete rest, feasts and rejuvenation for captive elephants in Kerala.” – Khaleej Times Online

Elephants enjoy birthday bash at Blackpool Zoo

Kim — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:40:24 +0000

“Blackpool Zoo�s big attractions Kate and Crumple were given a good hose down and brush up for their 39th birthday celebrations.” – Sri Lanka News

Elephant feeding performed

Kim — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:33:09 +0000

“Thousands of devotees belonging to different walks of life, including some foreign tourists, took part in the traditional Mahaganapathi homam and anayuttu (elephant feeding) at the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple here on Wednesday. By offering `the first ball of feed to the baby elephant Kuttimukku Kannan, temple melsanti Kottampilly Narayanan Namboodiri inaugurated the anayuttu. Nearly 50 elephants from different parts of the district took part in the traditional feast for the elephants.” – Newindpress.com

Polo attracts the jumbo jetset

Kim — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:42:00 +0000

“Flailing two-metre-long bamboo mallets, piles of steaming dung and crazed colonials are all part of this young Englishman’s job, not to mention wrinkled three-tonne arses swinging arbitrarily or the indiscriminate stomping of dinner plate-sized feet.” – The Daily Telegraph

Trainer Says Possible PETA Protest, Not Permits, Black Flagged Elephants At New Hampshire

Kim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:17:01 +0000

“On Friday New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced that the elephant show wouldn’t be part of the pre-race show on Sunday. A release from the track said proper permits weren’t secured in time to allow the show to happen.” – courant.com

Kirina the elephant turns 13

Kim — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:58:34 +0000

“Someone is celebrating a very special 13th birthday, Kirina the elephant at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo!” – NewsChannel 9

Elephant to debut at Ellis Larson

Kim — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:39:19 +0000

“For perhaps the first time in city history, an enormous animal with floppy ears and huge trunk will stop by for a visit Sunday.” – TheChampionOnline.com