The BBC has declined to apologise after presenter Monty Don rode an elephant in India, where campaigners say the animals are chained and beaten. The episode of Paradise Gardens, aired on BBC Two, featured Don riding an elephant at Amer Fort in Jaipur, prompting outrage from animal rights groups.
Footage emerged showing elephants in the region shackled, with one picture capturing a mob of eight men beating an elephant with sticks and iron bullhooks. A guide told those who filmed the violence that the animals 'act out' in the hot climate. The elephants are used to transport tourists in the area.
The BBC initially refused to comment when the episode aired, but later said its production team had inspected the site and found no evidence of mistreatment. In an email to Action for Elephants' Audrey Gaffney, the broadcaster stated: 'They found that there are rules and practices in place to help ensure the well-being of the elephants at Amer Fort... they saw no signs whatsoever of any cruelty.'
However, Gaffney accused the BBC of failing in 'balanced reporting' and promoting cruelty, arguing handlers would not mistreat animals openly in front of a TV crew. Born Free Foundation president Will Travers warned that Don's ride set a bad example for others. Nicky Campbell, a fellow BBC presenter, called it 'utterly appalling'.
The BBC later said it would withdraw the programme from iPlayer while investigating further. Monty Don, while riding the elephant, had commented: 'It's how the Raja would arrive.'
