Video of elephant painting on canvas in Thailand goes viral, prompts discussion on animal cruelty

A video of a 9-year-old elephant painting a picture on a canvas in Thailand went viral, prompting a slew of reactions and discussion on animal cruelty.

The video, which was shared by NowThis, a New York-based news organisation, featured an elephant named Nong Thanwa painting at the Maetong Elephant Camp, in Chiang Mai. The picture was reportedly sold for over $5.5k (approx. Rs 410, 624).

According to the news organisation, the painting featured a silhouette of Nong Thanwa and her friend Dumbo and was sold at an online fundraiser for elephant camp. The painting also featured the text “TW loves Dumbo”.

In the video, Nong Thanwa can be seen being directer by her trainer as the animal holds the brush with her trunk and carefully strokes the canvas.

Watch the video here:

A painting by an elephant in Thailand sold for $5.5k+ in an online fundraiser for the Maetang…