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The King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, now in its 15th
year, is a charity event to raise money to help wild and
domesticated elephants. It brings polo players from around the
world looking for a different challenge.
Asian elephants can weigh more than five tonnes (11,000 lb)and
move at more than 25 km (15 miles) an hour.
Mahouts handle the elephants while the players try to strike the
ball with a stick that is much longer than the one used when
playing on a pony. The ball is the same size as a regular polo
ball.
"A lot of my experience lately has been rodeo," said Canadian
Adam Janikowski, one of the players. "I don’t think I ever want
to do rodeo events with any of the elephants."
Elephant polo divides conservationists.
Some say it is cruel. Others say it has helped to raise funds to
protect the animals and has highlighted the problems they face
through habitat loss, poaching and abuse.
Organizers said the King's Cup has raised more than $1.3 million
over 15 years.
The elephants are treated to a buffet of fruits and vegetables.
(Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa; Editing by Robert Birsel)
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