Founder of elephant facility crushed by animal

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Police say the founder of a Maine facility that cares for retired circus elephants was killed when one of the animals stepped on him.

Knox County Sheriff's Office deputies say they found 56-year-old James Laurita unresponsive in the barn on Tuesday morning. Police say they believe Laurita fell before one of his two elephants stepped on his chest, apparently accidentally.

Laurita founded the facility in Hope, Maine, with his brother, Tom, in 2011. The two Asian elephants, Rosie and Opal, arrived in 2012.

FULL story at link.



FILE - In this Nov. 13, 2012 file photo, Jim Laurita, executive director and foounder of Hope Elephants, feeds a carrot to one of the two retired circus elephants at his not-for-profit rehabilitation and educational facility in Hope, Maine. Knox County Sheriff deputies said Laurita was found dead Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, in the animals' barn. Police say Laurita appeared to have fallen and struck his head on a cement floor. A medical examiner will determine his cause of death. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Read more: http://www3.timesfreepress.com/news/ap-us/2014/sep/09/founder-elephant-facility-crushed-animal/257483/

[Mnemosyne]

1. K&R nt

[Beaverhausen]

2. Oh that's so sad

[BrotherIvan]

3. He was doing a very good thing

I'm sure he was happy and proud. This is just an unfortunate accident and I hope there are no repercussions against the animals.

[Voice for Peace]

4. RIP

very sad.

[beam me up scottie]

5. It takes a certain kind of person to dedicate their life to caring for animals.

The kind the world can't afford to lose before his time.

[C Moon]

6. Sad.

RIP

[graegoyle]

7. There is beauty in that picture.

[BlueCaliDem]

8. Heartbreaking. But I don't know if it was an accident.

Elephants are surprisingly gentle and careful around smaller creatures unless they're riled up.

If Laurita had fallen and struck his head on a cement floor, elephants will carefully stand away from him as they touch him with their trunk. Watch how they are with their babies that are small enough to crush if they're not careful.

Circus elephants are traumatized by their experiences in the circus. It could be that one suddenly felt a latent hostility toward Laurita and acted upon that impulse.

It just doesn't make sense to me that an elephant can accidentally step on anyone. But ... I could be completely wrong, of course.

[magical thyme]

13. they both had damaged joints and muscles

so whoever stepped on him may not have had full control of where she stepped as a result her pre-existing condition.

Also, depending on how he fell and what they were doing at the time, the elephant may not have clearly seen him or been able to step back in time.

I know I've accidentally stepped on and tripped over my dogs when they stepped right in front of me just as I lost my balance. Or they've bumped me, knocked me off balance, and I've fallen and ended up under them. And my horse has accidentally stepped on me as well, as well as accidentally knocking me off balance.

OTOH, here in Maine there is a tendency to presume accident when animals injure somebody. It's one of the things I like about living here.

[roguevalley]

9. good people never seem to last

[thecrow]

10. What a terrible shame

What a terrible loss. RIP, Jim Laurita.

[zonkers]

11. Doin what he loved. Thanks for posting. I didn't know

Maine had a facility. I know about the one down south, maybe Tennessee. elephants.com.

[magical thyme]

12. he opened it just a couple years ago

I live fairly close by, maybe 45 minute drive. I was going to visit someday when I have time...

[zonkers]

14. Nice legacy for one to leave behind... an elephant sanctuary. Never been to Maine.

[Sunlei]

15. What a shame & he was the Vet also, It's good the directors will continue the sanctuary.

Link to directors letter and "Hope Elephants"

http://hopeelephants.org/