Viral Elephant Dance: IFS Officer Claims Stress, Not Dance

A video that has gone viral on social media shows two women performing a graceful Bharatnatyam dance, with an elephant standing behind them, seemingly mimicking their moves. The sight of the elephant appearing to “dance” along with the women has captivated viewers, with many sharing their opinions online. Some social media users humorously commented that the elephant seemed so stressed that it appeared to be dancing in response.

However, a recent post by IFS officer Praveen Kaswan has shed light on a more serious perspective regarding the video. Kaswan, who shared the viral clip on X (formerly Twitter), expressed concern about the elephant’s behavior, claiming that the elephant’s actions were not out of enjoyment, as many initially assumed. According to Kaswan, experts suggest that when elephants are under stress, they often exhibit erratic movements such as swaying or moving back and forth, which might appear like dancing but is actually a sign of distress.

Kaswan further explained that the elephant in the video was in an unnatural and confined environment. He pointed out that elephants, when chained and confined to small spaces, experience significant stress, which leads to behaviors like swaying. Elephants, by nature, are used to roaming freely in forests, and such conditions restrict their movement and natural instincts.

The video has sparked a discussion about animal welfare, with many expressing concern about the elephant’s well-being. While some viewers still find the footage amusing, others have highlighted the importance of understanding the stress animals endure in captivity, and the need for more humane treatment and care.

This controversy has led to a broader conversation about the ethical treatment of animals, especially in performance settings where they are forced to interact with humans in unnatural ways.