Unfortunately, where evil exists, it is not always for us to see. Evil permeates every aspect of life. It is hidden in dark places away from those who are unaware of where the truth lies. The facade of evil paints a pretty picture that we want to believe is beautiful and humane.
Before I made this documentary, I was unaware of what the elephants in our world were subjected to. I only knew them as ‘gentle giants’ who peacefully roam the jungles, perform in circuses or could be seen in zoos. And I loved them.
I joined several groups online who love elephants and enjoyed the beautiful photos of them: their babies, their lives, their habitats.
Talented wildlife photographers, conservationists, tourists, sanctuary trustees, and others who got to see them up close on a viewing safari, shared their pictures and videos for people to enjoy. But I was only seeing the good; evil was hidden in the darkness. Then one day I came across a photo from a group dedicated to saving the elephants from evildoers. I was shocked at the image; shocked and so emotionally distraught that I cried my heart out every time that image invaded my mind. I immediately did some research and knew that the evil that men do in the darkness to these beautiful creatures had to see the light of day. Being a voice for the elephants in helping end elephant torture, slavery, and being used as beasts of burden, clowns, trophy hunting, poaching for their tusks, skin, zoos and tourist attractions was going to be a priority for me. My research found that there were countless groups dedicated to this noble cause who have made great progress on an international basis, but evil against the elephant still existed. I interviewed many people and asked if they were aware of the torture elephants were subjected to in breaking their spirit to have them trained to perform. I was not surprised that no one knew. They were shocked that this torture existed not only internationally, but in our own country in the past, and to this day. But what could I do? I was only one person. That’s when I decided to write and produce this documentary: ELEPHANT TEARS: A Struggle for Survival.
Before I take your emotions into the darkness, I will take you into the light and show you the beautiful souls that are nature’s gift to our world and share some facts you may not know. I will also share great work the private trusts, organizations and sanctuaries are doing for the world’s elephants.
Then I will take you on a journey you will never forget of torture, training, abuse, starvation, kidnapping, manual slavery, poaching, trophy hunting, tourist riding, street begging, Temple torture, zoos, and the most inhumane situations inflicted on the lives of elephants who are denied their right to live free. Working with the cooperation of the U.S. Congress on the necessity of protective conservation legislation and the importance of funding these countries on conservation must include accountability. Numerous organizations like PETA, who shared undercover photos and video of atrocities both here and abroad, will hopefully enlighten the world to help save the elephant and declare them an endangered species.