Khao Kheow zoo denies elephant torture claim

CHON BURI, Aug 28 (TNA) - Khao Kheow zoo director denied the elephant abuse, confirming the zoo adopts proper practice in looking after the animals after a foreign animal website claimed that the elephants were forced to swim in a show for tourists. The World Animal News website released a clip of a swimming elephant at the Khao Khaeo zoo in Chon Buri, saying it was ridden and prodded by a mahout and was forced to swim. The zoo director, Atthaporn Srihaerun said the zoo arranges activities for animals’ mental and physical health. Naturally, elephants like playing in the water and swimming is good exercise for them. The elephants are raised with trust between them and their mahouts and the mahouts do not force them or use violence. The method is accepted by international wildlife experts, he added. The zoo has nine elephants and each elephant is let swimming once a day. The glass pool allows tourists to see their habit when they are in the water. (TNA)