Celebrities Attend Premiere of Elephants And Man: A Litany of Tragedy

Documentary film Elephants and Man: A Litany of Tragedy premiered last month, and several animal rights activists were there to show support – including Lily Tomlin, Cher, Ed Begley Jr. and Tippi Hedren.

The documentary outlines the “physical and emotional agony elephants have endured in captivity through the centuries.” In the film, zoo and animal specialists in several capacities speak about the business of zoos, conservation, education and practical problems, which all affect the mortality rates of elephants in captivity.

“This film clearly shows how elephants endure a lifetime of suffering when they are captured or bred to be put on exhibit for our momentary pleasure,” Tomlin said, according to Broadway World. “Ambulating is necessary to keep their feet and joints disease free and their mental state healthy and thriving. A sanctuary with hundreds of acres and the companionship of other elephants is the closest environment we can provide to their living in the wild.”

“I’m not even sure the kids should watch this film,” said Cher, “but I think their parents should watch this film, I think their teachers. In order for you to see this beautiful animal for ten minutes, it will go through a lifetime of torture. It’s not worth it. Texas is not having [elephants] anymore, Louisiana. I would look into how many elephants have died at the LA County Zoo. Ten acres to a person sounds like a lot. Ten acres to an elephant is a postage stamp. Elephants should be together in the wild. They don’t deserve this kind of pain and suffering.”