As a young girl being raised abroad, there was a lot to figure out. Like, is it kind to treat elephants like domesticated circus performers?
The answer offered was never a quick yes or no. Nor were words of outrage offered up, nor ones of dosed with saccharine. The answer was to have a look around and note what you see. The mighty beast seemed agreeable and well looked after. His rib cage was not protruding like some oxen in the field. His handler was well dressed and whispered little noises in his ear. They made a good pair.
The answers did not appear on the faces of my parents. Observations were encouraged. Comparisons presented and sifted through. Touch, feel, see, and then decide if the situation is better than the available alternatives. And this can only be done once one has recalibrated to a new surrounding, and absorbed new standards.
This was the first time I felt an elephant.
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