Norman Watson, a 47-year-old wildlife photographer from Scotland, has vowed never to visit India again after witnessing disturbing mistreatment of elephants at a wildlife reserve.
During a recent trip to Bandhavgarh National Park, known for its tigers, Watson was appalled by the sight of guides abusing the elephants.
Watson reported that he saw guides using 5-foot bamboo canes to whip and beat the elephants, causing them to “scream in agony.”
He also observed young, emaciated elephants chained to trees and confined in cages. Watson and four others in his group witnessed the distressing scenes.
“The experience left me enraged and deeply shocked,” Watson said. “The cries of the elephants as they were whipped were haunting. The distress was so severe that some elephants were urinating uncontrollably while we were about 100 meters away, shouting for the abuse to stop.”
The photographer, who had traveled to Bandhavgarh to capture images of wild tigers, was taken aback by the contrast between the park’s reputation and the cruelty he observed.
The guides, or mahouts, who were supposed to assist with the tiger photography, also mistreated the elephants.
Watson expressed frustration over the irony that these guides, involved in conservation efforts, were engaged in such abusive practices. His Facebook post detailing the abuse has gained widespread attention on social media.
“They should be barred from keeping any animals, especially elephants,” Watson commented. “Elephants should not be exploited for rides or other human activities. They need protection and humane treatment across Asia.”
Watson described one particularly harrowing incident where young elephants, about five years old, were chained so tightly that they could only hop.
The elephants were subjected to severe beatings, including one instance where a mahout used a sharp hook on the animal’s ear and continued to beat it until exhausted.
Despite his positive views on India overall, Watson declared that he would not return to Bandhavgarh until the abuse ended.
“India is a wonderful place with friendly people, but I cannot support Bandhavgarh while this cruelty continues,” he said. “Change can only come through collective action against wildlife abuse and animal cruelty.”
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