Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Art > Entertainment
Mode of capturing wild elephants in Ceylon: an elephant noosed, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Mode of capturing wild elephants in Ceylon: an elephant noosed, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Mode of capturing wild elephants in Ceylon: an elephant noosed, 1864. Engraving of a photograph...of the great elephant-catching expedition to a place called Ebbewellepittia...so as to afford the utmost sport and entertainment to their European visitors...The first elephant noosed was a fine young animal of two years of age...a noose was adroitly slipped round one of his hind legs. Finding himself a captive, after a few efforts to break the cord, he threw himself on the ground with a loud cry...after a vigorous resistance he was bound by three of his legs to a tree and firmly secured. Often the unfortunate beast made frantic efforts to regain his liberty; sometimes trying to tear away the cords with his trunk, sometimes pulling with all his might against the relentless fetters; occasionally, in utter despair, he would dash himself upon the ground, uttering piteous cries to his dam, who stood close by looking on in sulky silence and expressing her maternal sorrow by heaping dust upon her head. To describe the noosing of one elephant is to describe the noosing of all. In every case there was the same unavailing resistance, the same ultimate exhaustion'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 38073817
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Animal Cruelty Captive Captives Captivity Ceylon Ceylonese Controversial Controversy Cruel Cruelty Cruelty To Animals Elephant Indian Elephant Indian Elephants Restrained Restraint Rope Ropes Sadness Sri Lanka Sri Lankan Taming Tied Up Unhappiness Wild
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Guy Head
> Asia
> Sri Lanka
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Entertainment
EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures the brutal and heartbreaking mode of capturing wild elephants in Ceylon back in 1864. The scene depicts an elephant being noosed during a great elephant-catching expedition, where European visitors sought entertainment at the expense of these majestic creatures.
The engraving shows a young elephant, just two years old, being ensnared by a noose around his hind leg. The helpless animal cries out as he realizes he is now captive, struggling against the cords that bind him to a tree. Despite his frantic efforts to break free, he is ultimately subdued and secured by three legs.
The heart-wrenching image portrays the deep maternal bond between the captured elephant and his mother, who watches on in sorrow as her offspring is taken away from her. The description of this particular capture mirrors countless others - each one filled with resistance, exhaustion, and despair.
This photograph serves as a stark reminder of humanity's cruel treatment of wildlife for our own amusement and profit. It prompts us to reflect on our relationship with nature and consider more ethical ways to coexist with these incredible animals.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
