What keeps this wild elephant under control in a show is not the handler with an ankus or bull hook in his hand. The training can be severe, using techniques that include prolonged hitting by the elephant trainer with clubs, stabbing with the point of the ankus, electricity, electric prods, prolonged chaining, and food deprivation. This is all that is keeping the general public safe from a wild animal. An elephant on a rampage is simply a very angry animal. You cannot predict exactly when an elephant will explode.
Tranquilizers are useless.
The elephant would need to be shot to insure the public's safety. India prohibits elephants from performing in circuses in that country. As long as people are allowed to be in close proximity with elephants, people will continue to be hurt and killed. My name is Joel Parrott. I am the Executive Director of the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California.