The Elephant in the Living Room will take you on a journey into the depths of the controversial American subculture of raising and selling some of the worlds more dangerous animals, as household pets. The critically acclaimed documentary by Michael Webber, an award winning director, follows the lives of two men caught up in the middle of the issue, Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose friend was killed by an exotic pet and Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted guy who struggles, self-sacrificing his own needs to raise two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.
At the beginning of the film, you might have the tendency to think the worst of Terry for keeping Lambert and Lacey, two grown African lions in his back yard. But as the film progresses, you will begin to understand the complexity of the situation as you ride the emotional roller coaster with Terry about what is best for the lions, for him and for the rest of his family.
Terry was injured in an accident and recovering from back and neck surgery when a friend brought an African lion cub to visit him for a couple of days. The well meaning friend thought the cute cub would help Terry in his battle with depression post surgery and during his painful recovery. The cub did help Terry ‘s depression but as the lion grew up into a 550 pound adult, other problems arise, including Lambert’s escape from the yard to a nearby Ohio highway where a 911 call is placed saying the lion was attacking cars on the road.
Sightings of exotic animals are being reported all over the United States with the rise in the exotic pet trade. A chimpanzee runs loose through a Connecticut neighborhood, a Burmese python kills a child in Florida, a bear attacks and kills its caretaker in Cleveland. There are more tigers in Texas than in the wild in India. In 2005, there were more emergency calls for nuisance alligators in Ohio than some areas of Florida. In most parts of the United States, the law requires a dog license to keep a dachshund, but nothing to keep a tiger in your backyard, raise a chimpanzee in your home, or keep a Black Mamba as a pet.
The Elephant in the Living Room gives the viewer a sneak peek at the Mount Hope Exotic Animal Auction held in the middle of what appears to be serene Amish country. The blend of the heartland of Ohio mixed with the undercurrent and subculture of trading in exotic and dangerous animals gives the whole scene a rather spooky feeling.
You won’t walk away from the film untouched and you might feel emotionally spent after viewing. But I think this is exactly what a documentary should do, leave the viewer pondering the issues.
Where do you find yourself in this tug of war? Do you think there should be a ban on the selling, trading and private ownership of exotic pets, including big cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, venomous snakes and crocodiles?
Let me know where you weigh in on the heart of this heated debate by commenting below.
One reader will be chosen to receive a copy of The Elephant in the Living Room on August 18, 2011.
I don’t think people should have wild/ exotic animals as pets. Part of the allure of the exotic animal is knowing-seeing it play its role in the wild. We take away part of their wild spirit when they become a pet in our backyard and that makes me sad. They were never meant to live that way. I wish people would spend their money supporting conservation and groups that work to save these exotic animals in the wild rather than trying to own one.
Do you think there should be a ban on the selling, trading and private ownership of exotic pets, including big cats, bears, wolves, non-human primates, venomous snakes and crocodilians?
ABSOLUTELY! Sorry for yelling, but this is so wrong, for these animals to be treated this way. I don’t care who these people are and how much they say they “love” these animals. They are wrong and if they really do love them, they would realize this is no way for a wild animal to have to live. They should be free. They are wild and should never be tamed.
Great topic, Gracey!
I think that owning a wild animal is very similar to owning a gun. Some people are properly educated and intelligent enough to handle it – but most are not. Therefore, I think that there should be very specific, very tough laws in place for anyone who wants a wild animal, and the only time it should be allowed is in a rescue situation.
For example, at least of year of education should be required to have any type of wild animals. Owners should have a background check performed and submit to unannounced inspections to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals. All animals should be registered and regularly monitored, and each person in contact with the animal must go through rigorous training and special programs on working with the specific breed/species of animal.
That’s what I think should happen. But, I kind of think that should happen for anyone who has human kids as well. 🙂