An Apology to Elephants (2013) on Netflix
TV-PG201340mDocumentaryDramaHistory
For centuries elephants have suffered at human hands. A documentary traces the long history between the animals and people, and the harm that captivity in circuses and zoos brings them.
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- Netflix4.0/5
- IMDb8.0/10651 votes
- Rotten TomatoesNot available
Plot summary
Elephants number among the most intelligent creatures on Earth, and for hundreds of years they have suffered at human hands. The documentary traces that long history and the harm that comes when the animals are kept in captivity in circuses and zoos. It shows elephant training, the physical damage and psychological trauma caused by living conditions in some of those places, and the capture of elephants for public display. Biologists and environmental activists are interviewed. The narrator states that the elephants need help.
Cast
- Pat Derbyas Self (PAWS)
- Colleen Kinzleyas Self (Oakland Zoo)
- Jeff Kinzleyas Self (Oakland Zoo)
- Ross MacPheeas Self
- Rose McCoyas Self (activist)
- Cynthia Mossas Self (Amboseli Trust for Elephants)
- Joel Parrottas Self (Oakland Zoo)
- Katy Payneas Self (Elephant Listening Project)
- Joyce Pooleas Self (ElephantVoices)
- Mel Richardsonas Self (veterinarian)
- Ed Stewartas Self (PAWSsanctuaries)
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about An Apology to Elephants (2013)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- After the HBO premiere, Feld Inc., parent company of Ringling Bros circus, called the documentary a "one-sided hit piece" with an "anti-circus political agenda". It said Amy Schatz asked for a full range of voices but the circus's Conservation Center was not shown.
- PETA joined the project and supplied pictures and video, among them photos from a whistleblower showing elephant training at the Ringling Bros circus.
- Narrator Lily Tomlin campaigned on elephant captivity for several years, met Performing Animal Welfare Society co-founder Pat Derby along the way, and suggested HBO make a movie about it; HBO began work in 2011.
