Watch The Elephant in the Living Room

The Elephant in the Living Room is a thought-provoking and emotionally-charged documentary film from 2010 that takes a closer look at the controversial and often-baffling world of exotic pet ownership in the United States. The film was directed by Michael Webber and features interviews with animal welfare experts, exotic pet owners, and law enforcement officials who are working to curb the growing trend of keeping wild animals as household pets.

At the center of the documentary is Tim Harrison, a former police officer turned exotic animal rescuer and advocate. Harrison represents a growing number of individuals who are dedicated to saving and protecting exotic animals from the dangers and abuses of life in captivity. With heart-wrenching footage and testimonials from pet owners and experts alike, The Elephant in the Living Room paints a vivid and often unsettling picture of the complex web of issues surrounding wild animal ownership in America.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the legal battle being waged between animal welfare advocates and governments at all levels over the issue of exotic pet ownership. As it turns out, owning a wild animal as a pet is still legal in many states, and some animals are even considered domesticated animals in certain areas. However, as Harrison and others demonstrate, the consequences of such legal loopholes can be dire for both the animals and their owners. Among the many dangers lurking in the shadows of the exotic pet world are animal abandonment, injury, and death, as well as serious public safety issues.

Another important issue tackled in the film is the psychological and emotional factors that drive some people to take on the responsibility of owning a wild animal as a pet. Many of the pet owners featured in the documentary are clearly passionate about their animals and do their best to provide adequate care and protection for them. However, the film makes a compelling argument that these individuals may be motivated by a deep-seated need for control or a desire to be seen as special or unique. At the same time, animal welfare experts agree that these animals deserve a life in a natural habitat that best meets their needs, rather than being taken from it and being confined in a small, domestic environment.

Despite the sometimes-heavy subject matter, The Elephant in the Living Room is a beautifully crafted film that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The film is filled with stunning footage of exotic animals and insightful commentary from leading experts in the field of animal welfare. It also features an intimate and poignant portrait of Tim Harrison, a man who dedicated his life to rescuing animals from captivity and educating the public about the dangers of owning wild animals as pets.

The documentary is sure to be of interest to anyone who cares about animal welfare and public safety issues. It will also appeal to those who are fascinated by the human psyche and the complex reasons why we choose to take on responsibilities that may be beyond our capabilities. The Elephant in the Living Room challenges us to think deeply about our relationship with animals and our role in protecting them from harm, both now and in the future.

Overall, The Elephant in the Living Room is a powerful and timely film that deserves to be seen by anyone who cares about the welfare of animals and the future of our planet. It is a beautifully filmed and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about animal rights, public safety, and the role of government in regulating and controlling the exotic pet trade. It is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about animal welfare and concerned about the future of our planet.

The Elephant in the Living Room is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 69.