Elephant Paradise

"Electrocuting an Elephant" is a black-and-white silent documentary short film shot in the United States in 1903. It vividly records the electrocution of the elephant Topsy at the Coney Island amusement park. To increase efficiency, Topsy was fed carrots laced with potassium cyanide before being subjected to a 6,600-volt electric shock, ultimately leading to her death.

The footage of Electrocuting an Elephant was played repeatedly—first showing Topsy "coming back to life" and then replaying her death—for anyone willing to pay a small fee. This film exposes the cruelty of humans toward animals and the disregard and exploitation of animal life.

From a Western perspective, elephants have long been seen as powerful and awe-inspiring creatures, historically responsible for much of the heavy labor in Europe and North America. However, whether it is the reverence for electrification's immense power or the tragic death of Topsy, both highlight how humans have treated elephants as disposable commodities.

Coincidentally, even today, elephants continue to be commodified through trophy hunting. Every year, tens of thousands of wild animals are brutally killed by trophy hunters to showcase their dominance. In South Africa, hundreds of elephants become targets, enduring immense suffering inflicted by humans. While the indifference shown by those who repeatedly watched Topsy's death may seem distant, the harm inflicted on elephants today is far greater.

Therefore, in memory of Topsy and as a critique of treating living creatures as mere objects, I have decided to create a live-streaming website that depicts the act of an elephant's death. Players will take on the role of visitors, immersing themselves in the live stream out of curiosity. They will endure a harsh viewing experience while also creating a virtual desktop pet named Topsy. This interaction will help them understand Topsy's role and emotions within various human activities.

Players will explore the sensations of elephants like Topsy—how they feel when taken from their forests and herds and forced to integrate into what humans call "paradise." Ultimately, players will participate in a shooting game, scoring points and earning trophies by shooting elephants—or choosing whether to change Topsy's fate.

I hope to raise awareness of animal rights, advocating for the protection and respect of all life. Furthermore, my goal is to inspire reflection on animal entertainment and abuse, urging individuals to show greater care and respect for the creatures of the natural world.