Animal charity drops Martin Clunes after elephant ride

Martin Clunes has been dropped as patron of an animal charity after riding a “captive, wild” elephant for ITV series My Travels And Other Animals.

In the episode, Clunes is seen climbing on top of an elephant in Nepal saying: “I didn’t want to hurt her.”

He expressed open concern about riding the mammal, but said using the animals for tourist purposes was “a kinder life than hauling heavy logs”.

After clumsily climbing atop the elephant, he is shown apologising, saying: “I didn’t want to hurt her.”

Born Free said in a statement, “Born Free has always been opposed to the exploitation of captive wild animals for entertainment and human interactions.

“There is clear evidence that training, keeping and riding captive elephants causes distress and suffering.”

Martin has previously stated, “I like to do whatever I can for Born Free whenever I am asked. I love the Born Free Foundation, it steps in wherever there’s an animal facing cruelty, abuse or unfairness of any kind… any animal in any place.z’

World Animal Protection (WAP) says “appalling cruelty” is inflicted on elephants in entertainment, and elephant riding may also lead to increased poaching, with the animals being sold into the industry for as much as $85,000.

WAP says photos tourists post to social media of them riding elephants are really evidence of animals in suffering.

Clunes has not addressed the matter on his social media feed, nor responded to BBC enquiries.

Source: Digital Spy, ABC, BBC.