World's Photos

It starts when they take a baby elephant, and tie a rope around its hind leg, and attach it to a stake in the ground. The baby fights and fights, trying to pull the rope free, but it does not have the strength to do so. It continues to try, sometimes for days, expending all its energy, until one day, it stops trying – It has finally learnt that it is unable to pull free.



The pictures show them being dragged to the ground by ropes, chained side by side, pinned down by a hook in the back of the neck and checked by cattleprods.



Peta - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - say the elephants are also separated from their mothers by force.



The photographs are being used to spearhead a campaign to tighten up laws on the use of wild beasts in circuses.



The Government here is considering legislation to impose stricter conditions on their care, training and performance, particularly where young are concerned.



The pictures were taken in the U.S. by handler Sammy Haddock, who worked for the Ringling Bros' Barnum and Bailey Circus until 2005.



They were taken more than seven years ago - but Peta says such methods are widespread, and 'effectively amount to the torture of defenceless animals'.



Haddock died last month and asked Peta to use his pictures to ease his conscience about the kind of treatment he administered during eight years at the Ringling centre in Florida.



Peta director Poorva Joshipura said: 'All the evidence suggests that the methods described by Sam Haddock are standard operating procedures.'



Ringling's dismisses Peta's claims as 'from the last century' and denies cruelty. It says it separates calves from adults only when they are old enough to demonstrate natural independence.

Photoshop would make the real world a whole lot more fun. Just look at all the things we could use it for.

Monsanto is an ancient fortified village on perched on the side of the mountain located Southeast of Serra da Estrela in Portugal . Its appearance has not changed in centuries. The tiny streets are carved from and in the rocks. The houses are squeezed between gigantic boulders. This historical village is one of the most remarkable in Europe. It is often mentioned as the most Portuguese village in Portugal.

At the top of the 400 feet high hill stands a very old square built fortress / castle. The castle played an important role in Medieval times when the Templars Grand Master built a castle which withstood several battles including the Napoleonic invasions. The walk up to the castle is rewarded by one of the most breathtaking views in the whole region. On a round trip in Portugal Monsanto Village is a must! [wikitravel]


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