Watch An Apology to Elephants

An Apology to Elephants is a poignant and eye-opening documentary that explores the cruel and tragic treatment of elephants in the entertainment industry. Narrated by actress and activist Lily Tomlin, the film sheds light on the devastating effects of captivity and abuse on these majestic creatures, and the urgent need to protect them from further harm.

The documentary is based on the pioneering work of elephant welfare advocates Pat Derby and Colleen Kinzley, who founded the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 1984. Through their tireless efforts and advocacy, Derby and Kinzley have fought to rescue and provide sanctuary for elephants and other animals that have been subjected to abuse and neglect in the entertainment industry.

An Apology to Elephants begins with a historical perspective on the use of elephants in circuses, films, and other forms of entertainment. It highlights the cruel and inhumane practices that were commonly used to train and control elephants, such as the use of chains, bullhooks, and other forms of physical punishment.

The film also explores the psychological toll that captivity and isolation can have on elephants, who are highly social and intelligent creatures that require contact with other elephants and the freedom to roam and explore their natural habitats. It features interviews with experts in animal behavior and welfare, who explain the negative effects of captivity on elephants' physical and emotional well-being.

Through powerful imagery and interviews with former trainers and other witnesses, An Apology to Elephants exposes the darker side of the entertainment industry, where profit and spectacle are prioritized over the welfare of animals. The film shows how elephants are often torn away from their families and natural habitats at a young age, and forced to perform unnatural and dangerous stunts for the entertainment of audiences.

As the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that there is a growing movement to end the use of elephants in entertainment, and to provide them with the protection and care that they need and deserve. The film highlights the work of animal welfare organizations like PAWS, which have been instrumental in rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been subjected to abuse and neglect.

Throughout the film, Tomlin provides powerful narration that brings to life the stories of these majestic creatures, and underscores the urgent need for change. She also highlights the positive steps that have been taken to improve the lives of elephants, such as the passage of laws that ban the use of bullhooks and other abusive tools, and the increasing awareness of the public to the plight of these animals.

In the end, An Apology to Elephants is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that shines a light on a crucial issue: the need to treat elephants and other animals with kindness, respect, and compassion. By exposing the cruel and inhumane practices that have been used to exploit these creatures, the film inspires viewers to take action and support efforts to protect and preserve the natural world that we share with these magnificent beings.

An Apology to Elephants is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.