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In Bangkok, It's Attack of the Two-Ton Panhandlers

Sir, you can't beg for coins here, put your trunk away! The New York Times reports on the phenomenon of domesticated elephants begging on the streets of Bangkok. It's technically illegal to sell elephant treats to tourists, but the rewards are great: In four nights of begging an elephant handler can make the same amount of money the typical Thai worker makes in a month.

We remain mystified by the type of animal lover that would leave an entire loaf of stale bread out for every city pigeon to consume or spend his last quarter in the zoo feed machine. But being approached by an elephant--no matter how pushy the human handler--must require incredible stamina. How could you possibly resist the cuteness?!

Related Stories:
· Elephants Brake for Food on Bangkok's Roads [NYT]
· Animal Travel: Addo Elephant National Park [Jaunted]
· Animals coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Robin Thom]