How Did Drunken Elephants Meet Their Fate in Meghalaya?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around an incident involving wild elephants in Meghalaya, India, who became intoxicated from rice beer and subsequently caused damage by bringing down power lines, leading to their electrocution. The conversation explores the implications of this event, including humorous and satirical takes on the behavior of elephants and alcohol consumption.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Humorous commentary

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports on the incident where elephants consumed rice beer and caused electrocution by damaging power lines.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that elephants need guidance to avoid such situations, referencing mice in marching band attire.
  • A different comment proposes the formation of an "Anti-Saloon League for elephants" or the "Elephant Temperance Union," implying a need for moderation among elephants.
  • One participant reflects on their experience with elephants, noting that typically, alcoholic elephants exhibit more subdued behavior rather than aggression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of serious concern and humorous commentary regarding the incident, with no clear consensus on the implications or lessons to be drawn from the event.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying perspectives on animal behavior in relation to alcohol consumption, but lacks detailed analysis of the underlying causes or broader implications of the incident.

Ivan Seeking
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FOUR wild elephants who ran amok after getting drunk on rice beer were electrocuted in India's northeastern state of Meghalaya when they brought down power lines, an official said Tuesday.

The herd went on the rampage on Sunday night after storming into villages and drinking from open casks of beer in a remote area in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district.

"The elephants after getting high on rice beer, went berserk and started dashing against an electric pole," the forest official said.[continued]

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8444309%5E13762,00.html
 
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This is the kind of tragedy that must inevitably ensue if elephants do not have mice dressed in marching band attire to guide them through their inevitable and unintentional experiences with alcohol consumption.
 
They need to form an Anti-Saloon League for elephants, or the ETU (Elephant Temperance Union).

I guess there is a lesson in here for all of us: Dont drink and ram repeatedly into electrical poles.
 
Strange. Most of the alcoholic elephants I know just get maudlin and unmotivated.