Elephant House

October 12, 2015
Readers looking to be regaled with magnificent photographs of elephants having a grand time as they luxuriate in their digs will be surprised and even a bit disillusioned by this photographic essay from photographer Blau and animal historian Rothfels, as they document the daily lives of elephants in the Asian Elephant Building at the Oregon Zoo. Though the authors state that the photographs reflect no agenda regarding animal captivity, one can’t help feeling saddened by the images of these magnificent creatures confined to small spaces built with steel bars and concrete. A few images depict the elephants seeming to enjoy the attention of their keepers, and a series of still life photos of the building’s office space adorned in elephant memorabilia depicts the staff’s dedication to the species. However, most of the photographs catch the pachyderms staring off into the distance, huddled together with heads lowered, or lumbering on sawdust in jail-like chambers, which evokes a state of gloom. The sense of sadness one has after gazing upon these images certainly leaves a lasting impression.