SPCA criticises film showing at NuMetro
Animal Defenders International and National Council for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) have condemned the film, The 100-year-old man who climbed out the window and disappeared for its use of an abused circus elephant.
The film was released by NuMetro across South Africa on 17 October.
Animal Defenders International president, Jan Creamer said, “The hundred-year-old man bills itself as a comedy, but there is nothing funny about the shocking abuse of the poor elephant who features in it.”
According to a statement released by both organisations, the elephant named Vana Mana used in the film, previously featured in an undercover exposé by Animal Defenders International at the Great British Circus in the United Kingdom.
“Vana Mana and her companions Sonja and Delhi were beaten by both her trainer and groom and chained for long periods,” said the statement. “Animal Defenders International’s horrifying footage prompted an outcry and the elephants and their trainer left the UK after just one season.
“Delhi, who was chronically lame, has since died. Vana Mana and Sonja remain with their trainer, Lars Hölscher, touring with circuses across Europe. “Their trainer now uses different names for himself and the elephants.”
According to the statement, in Sweden last year, Vana Mana and Sonja – now known as Ghandi and Baby – were forced to perform by their trainer at Cirkus Skott.
“After their identity was discovered, Cirkus Scott announced that it would stop using wild animals. Despite legislative measures being taken by 27 countries around the world to prohibit such acts, the use of wild animals in circuses is still permitted nationwide in South Africa,” it further stated.
NSPCA wildlife protection unit manager, Ainsley Hay called for people to boycott the film.
“Elephants are incredible animals that are abused horrifically throughout the world for use to entertain people,” he said.
Captive elephant abuse in South Africa has been highlighted by two recent cases that led the NSPCA to lay animal cruelty charges against the Brian Boswell Circus and the owners of the Knysna Elephant Park.
