Elephant That Acted In Anna And The King Movie Abused And Exploited In Langkawi
Remember the 1999 flick Anna and the King with Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat acting in it which was filmed in our homeland? If you did, you would surely remember the royal procession with elephants in it, one in particular featured an elephant named Lasah.
Lasah, is bull elephant that’s over 36 years old now and after he was rescued from the wild, he has spent over 20 years in international zoos, including the Singapore Zoo. He was previously also used for labour in a logging camp. Besides his Hollywood stint and other movies, Lasah has even performed in magic shows in Genting Highlands, as well as in commercials and TV programmes.
Sadly, the glory days are over for this gentle giant, as local NGO Friends of the Orangutans (Foto) has revealed his ‘superstar’ status has turned into a nightmare after being sent to Langkawi in 2006. Lasah has become nothing than a sad case waiting to rot in the tourist attraction, Langkawi Elephant Adventures, abused and exploited, being used for rides.
According to the Langkawi Elephant Adventures website, "On April 29, 2016, Lasah achieved a new milestone: Ten Years at the Oriental Village."
The NGO however has demanded the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to transfer Lasah to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Lanchang, Pahang instead, due to abuse and exploitation as the poor animal is being chained up for long hours, which is against the Malaysian wildlife law. This is clearly visible in a photo posted of the distressed animal.
“This is the worst form of elephant abuse we have had the misfortune to come across. Lasah is used and abused for tourist money and we were shocked to find him barbarically chained on all four legs when he isn’t being exploited.
“We’re inclined to think he’s chained in the same manner every night and it’s no surprise he is severely underweight,” said Foto director Upreshpal Singh as reported by a news portal.
A petition to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi has been set up by Foto at change.org to ‘Save Lasah the elephant from daily abuse’ with 1,086 supporters at the time of writing, with 414 needed to reach the 1,500 mark.
“Lasah has endured a lonely life of abuse and exploitation at the Langkawi Elephant Adventures and other places long enough.
“Please speak up for him today and help ensure that he spends the remainder of his days at the Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary, where he will have the companionship of other elephants, space, and care that he deserves,” the petition wrote.
If you have a heart, save Lasah and support the petition here.
-Malaysia Digest
