Archives: Maneka Gandhi opposes Elephant race in Berlin

December 5, 2006

Sunday, 16 July, 2000, 17:38 GMT 18:38 UK

Jumbo race 'a big success'

More than 40,000 spectators watched Europe's first elephant races

staged in Germany despite protests by animal rights activists.

The event in Berlin's Hoppegarten featured 14 circus elephants, half

of them African and half Asian.

Members of the Animal Peace group objected to the race and were

supported by French film star Brigitte Bardo, German rock singer Nina

Hagen and India's Social Affairs Minister Maneka Gandhi.

They raised protest banners and some chained themselves together at

the racecourse, as the six races went ahead.

Earlier petitions, a fax campaign and a complaint filed with local

prosecutors failed to get the event halted.

The elephants, aged between 14 and 35 years, were urged on only by

shouts from their jockeys. They pounded down the 300-metre course in

about one minute.

After crossing the finishing line they were rewarded with treats of

fruits and vegetables.

Racing tradition

The idea for the race came from the Indian-born mayor of the town of

Altlandsberg, just east of Berlin, Ravindra Gujjula.

The organisers say elephant racing is a tradition in India but

tourism officials in India say only two states currently hold such

events.

The Indian Embassy in Berlin distanced itself from the event. A

spokesperson said the ambassador, who was named honorary chairman of

the event, would not be attending.

At the race Mr Gujjula defended the event saying " the animals have

fun " .

He said the number of spectators showed it was a success but that he

had no further race plans.

Elephants have protected status in India, where the animal is revered

by many Hindus because of its resemblance to the elephant-headed god

Ganesh.

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