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Artists & Activists for Animal Rights Art Gallery Displays - "Happy The Elephant Isn't So Happy"

Artists & Activists for Animal Rights Gallery Proudly Introduces "Happy the Elephant isn't So Happy" by Karen Fiorito

[AUSTIN, TEXAS] – The Artists & Activists for Animal Rights Gallery is pleased to unveil a powerful addition to its collection – "Happy the Elephant isn't So Happy," a captivating monoprint by renowned artist Karen Fiorito.

This thought-provoking artwork, measuring 19” x 26” and created in 2022, conveys a poignant message about the challenges faced by elephants and their wellbeing in captivity. Through Karen Fiorito's intricate technique, the piece aims to raise awareness and evoke empathy for the welfare of these majestic animals.

According to research reported by Peta, Elephants in circuses and roadside zoos are denied everything that gives their life meaning. Many become neurotic, unhealthy, depressed, and aggressive as a result of the inhumane conditions in which they’re kept. Thanks to decades of field research, we know that they are highly social animals who live in matriarchal herds, protect one another, forage for fresh vegetation, play, bathe in rivers, and share mothering responsibilities for the herds’ babies. Their ability to feel pain—as well as sorrow, joy, and happiness—rivals our own. In the wild, they walk up to 30 miles and are active for 18 hours each day.

In order to be used for rides and circus performances, still-nursing baby elephants—usually between 18 and 24 months of age—are roped around all four legs and dragged away from their mothers. From that point forward, they’re punished every time they attempt to engage in any type of instinctive, natural behavior until finally their spirits are broken and they become submissive and obedient.

Elephants form extremely close bonds with their families, and the mothers are intensely maternal and emotional. They experience great psychological trauma when they can only watch as their babies are taken away and tormented.

Animals used in circuses and used for rides live a dismal life in which they are dominated, imprisoned, and violently trained. Workers routinely beat, shock, and whip them until they learn to perform meaningless, confusing tricks that have no connection to their natural instincts and behavior.

Most elephants used by circuses and roadside zoos were captured in the wild and forced to leave their freedom and families behind. They will never be released to the wild.

The inclusion of "Happy the Elephant isn't So Happy" in the Artists & Activists for Animal Rights Gallery serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the ethical treatment of animals through art. By spotlighting the struggles and emotions of these remarkable creatures, Karen Fiorito invites viewers to contemplate the intricate lives of elephants and their place in our shared world.

For more information about Karen Fiorito's artwork and her impactful journey, please visit her website: www.karenfiorito.me.

Connect with Karen Fiorito on social media: Instagram: @karenfiorito Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenTheFury/

About Artists & Activists for Animal Rights:

Artists & Activists for Animal Rights is a dedicated community of individuals who channel their creativity, passion, and voices to champion the ethical treatment of animals. Ranging from painters and musicians to poets and filmmakers, our collective mission is to amplify awareness about the plight of animals in factory farms and advocate for a more compassionate world.

Press Contact: Sylvie Abate artistsandactivists.org

 
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