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Mark Oliver Gebel, son of legendary animal trainer, Gunther Gebel Williams, was cited last week by California Humane Officers for violating the California animal cruelty statute, California Penal Code 596.5, for abusive behavior to elephants. Mr. Gebel was cited for striking an endangered female Asian elephant, leaving an open wound behind the elephant's ear on her left shoulder with a bull hook. A bull hook, or ankus, is a 2-3 foot long club with a sharp metal hook attached at the top. Although the elephants are thought to have strong hides, their skin is extremely sensitive. The charges were filed by an officer from the Santa Clara County Humane Society.