Water-Skiing Elephants

Animal Cruelty In The Name of PR Is Truly Wrong

Water-skiing elephants. I thought I had heard wrong, but no, this is actually a true story. Back in 1959, a New Yorker named Max Rosey pulled off this stunt as part of an elaborate pr-campaign for the opening of an amusement park.

Elephants are known to love water, so perhaps this action sport venture was the best thrill of its life. It is hard to tell, but I cannot help feeling slightly worried for the poor creature being exploited for a publicity stunt. Check out the video too. Steady on now, don’t look down!

Something like this couldn't fly today with activists like PETA looking out for the welfare of animals; check out some of the animal-rights campaigns in the related trends below.

Animal Rights Campaigns
Opportunities to innovate in creating more ethical and animal-friendly PR campaigns.
Controversial Marketing Stunts
Exploring non-exploitative and socially responsible ways to promote businesses and brands.
Eco-friendly Advertising
Innovating sustainable and environmentally conscious advertising methods.

Industries Being Reshaped

Marketing and Advertising
Opportunities to create responsible and conscious promotional campaigns for businesses and brands.
Animal Welfare
Opportunities to enforce and promote ethical practices in animal-related industries and activities.
Tourism and Entertainment
Opportunities to foster sustainable and responsible tourism and entertainment practices.
SCORE
3.7 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 21%
Activity 82%
Freshness 8%

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