Here’s the link to a well-produced (if occasionally chilling) documentary from Singapore about how elephants are used in Thailand’s tourism industry, and how the seemingly benign roles they play (as painters, ride-givers, street beggars, etc.) often entail inhumane practices, such as prematurely separating babies from their mothers and a spirit-breaking training method called “The Crush” (pictured above). Elephant Nature Park founder Lek Chailert (my personal hero and a serious rock star when it comes to doing the right thing) is also featured in the film, which is called “The Elephants’ Messenger,” and is just 36 minutes long. Please watch and share.