Discovery Science Center Cancels Cruel Elephant Stunt

January 2008

After learning that an artist named Fan Yang planned to encase an 8,800-pound Asian elephant named Tai inside a giant soap bubble at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California, PETA immediately contacted the center to urge officials to cancel this ill-advised publicity stunt. Elephants like Tai who are used for “entertainment” are trained through domination, fear, and punishment. Sharp metal bullhooks and electric prods are the standard training tools of the industry. Captive elephants are subjected to beatings, prolonged confinement, physically difficult routines, and exhausting travel. The agony that these magnificent animals must endure daily is the dirty little secret of the entertainment industry. After an outpouring of concern from animal advocates, center officials announced that they would listen to the public and not use the elephant.