So that someone doesn't suggest the elephant is uncomfortable with being looked down upon(there are some real nut jobs speaking for animals out there) let's view a dead elephant. Many animals are uncomfortable being looked down upon, notably hoof stock, but an elephant is not if the distance is great. But he is unhappy if there is no offering of a treat when he does look up, lol, and Peter Strouds suggestion that he is uncomfortable is wrong, and I believe only knee jerk BS to get his point across. But his suggestion that looking down offers a poor perspective and real appreciation of the animal is right, and David Hancocks brilliantly made that point with the Woodland Park Zoo Gorilla Habitat. What is the best "visual/viewing angle" to appreciate the wonder of this elephant. From above in the Rotunda, from below from the photographers perspective, or at eye level in the photograph below. You decide, to me it is quite obvious.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Viewing angles--The Fénykövi Elephant
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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3 comments:
Mr. Burck:
Again, please accept my gentle correction:
The National Zoo keepers kept a blog for 9 weeks documenting the process of acclimating their 3 elephants to the new house and exhibit. Here is a comment from week 5, July 29:
Our elephants tend to react negatively if they are surprised by anything overhead.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AsianElephants/ElephantTrails//Moving/week5.cfm
ammcomms,
I like correction, gentle or other wise, because that is how I learn things. I hope you do to, because you are going to get a free education. Say thank you, Mr. Burck.
I know you understand what "out of context means" because you were ruffled when I took Mr. Stroud out of context. I also see you are a pro at it as you read this report out of context, but that isn't your fault. You only get there a couple times a month. I had read the report, but am glad you sent it for illustration. Most keeper reports, no offense intended, are pretty basic and elementary. It is hard to fill up an 8 hour shift, justifying sick days, time off, over time, etc. without "observing and noting" for part of that time. 90% of it is rehash from what has been written or learned years ago, but what the heck, it does no harm.
Note in the report where the elephant stepped up to the line from the previous attempt, and didn't go past it, because "apparently she was using the line as a guide." That's nonsense and speculation. I they had put the line 4 ft. further ahead the first time they could have been amazed that the elephant could distinguish the distance of 4 ft. Also if the elephant came in and they weren't expecting it, nobody was paying attention. If you are real observant you can catch about 99% of what an animal is thinking or in other words, what it is going to do. That's a fact. That's where folks came up with that "reading their minds" nonsense.
Continued
Maybe they have to be further away to be able to see up that high. When the keeper up top moved further away Shanthi finally discovered him and reached up, looking for food handouts. Neither elephant seemed concerned.
Ammcomms,
Now is your pad and pencil ready, because class is about to begin.
From the keeper daily report:
Neither elephant has seen anyone on the mezzanine balcony yet. Our elephants tend to react negatively if they are surprised by anything overhead
"with out even asking or seeing your zoo, I would assume they were talking about being in the elephant house or in a small enclosure with a roof, because that is a fact for most animals. But I thought Mr. Stroud was talking about the high bridge walkway over the outdoor exhibit? Now let's continue"
One of the keepers went up and talked to them from the mezzanine
"ah. they were referencing the building in the above statement, other wise why check the mezzanine, as they already know their elephants are afraid of anything over head"
while two other keepers stayed with the girls to keep them calm. The elephants had a hard time finding where the keeper’s voice was coming from. This was interesting, as could always find us when we would call to them from the roof of the old barn.
"they are supposedly scared with something over their head, yet had a hard time finding where the keeper's voice was coming from??? How scared could they be if they couldn't find the noise??? I don't note any thing noted about the elephants freaking out or acting scared???
The keepers found it interesting because the elephant's could always find them on the ROOF OF THE OLD BARN!!!!! Do you see how they came to the conclusion, which you misinterpreted of the well know fact that animals are afraid of things over head in an ENCLOSED AREA, yet couldn't locate the keepers on the walkway( way high up) that Mr. Stroud states is wrong because animals are afraid of things over head. He took a well know fact and twisted it to suit his agenda of the bridge over the exhibit."
Maybe they have to be further away to be able to see up that high.
"If they have to back up or move further away to see up that high, they are not too afraid, I promise you. You can even ask them, as I think you said they will tell you what they want and need. Have you ever seen a scared or startled elephant? It is scary if you are not used to it. They bellow in a low loud rumble, flair their ears and tail, spin in circles and shit and piss. Some of the real spooks will run bellowing with said shit and piss flowing. Some fall to their knee's, mouths wide open with saliva running, and just fear the worst that they are going to die. Did you note any of that in the report? I didn't."
When the keeper up top moved further away Shanthi finally discovered him and reached up, looking for food handouts.
"Again, that is not a scared elephant!!!"
Neither elephant seemed concerned.
"NEITHER ELEPHANT SEEMED CONCERNED!!!! What did you just do to your Champion, ammcomms!!!! You showed him in his true color without realizing it. Look do me a favor. Don't ever go to bat for me please. If I'm on fire, stay away from the gas can. You might try to help."
No disrespect, and I hope to hear from you again. I corrected as gently as I know how.
Regards,
Wade
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