The elephants of Thailand forced to ride tricycles and steer with their trunks
As the country’s national symbol, you would expect the people of Thailand to show nothing but respect for their elephants.
But the once-majestic beasts are clearly still viewed by some as mere circus performers.
In this case, they have been trained to ride tricycles – and steer using their trunks.
Kwanmueng, seven, and Sarai, nine, have been taught how to use custom-made tricycles at Nong Nooch Gardens, near Pattaya.
And another elephant – eight-year-old Tabtim – is now able to knock down pins in a specially built ten-pin bowling alley.
Zookeepers said the animals are given a lesson a day for up to six months before they are able to master the pedals and handlebars to ride for themselves.
