印度：大象也要做SPA(图)

　　大象也能享受SPA？没错，在印度喀拉拉邦，大象在寺庙工作几个月后将被送去度假。在一个月的假期里，它们可以尽情放松身心，在池塘里享受SPA水疗的乐趣，之后还可以享用各种食物并品尝专家特制的营养餐，以帮助其恢复体力并为下一阶段的工作做好准备。整个节日活动花费寺院近90万印度卢比(1.25万英镑)。

　　Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent onmonth-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils as theyrecover from their arduous labour. 

　　Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent onmonth-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils as theyrecover from their arduous labour。

　　The herd of 64 elephants from the Sree Krishna will be fed largequantities of food - enough for them to put on 700-800 pounds - andpampered。

　　During this period, 64 elephants from Kerala's Guruvayur SreeKrishna Temple in Thrissur will be fed large quantities of food andpampered。

　　TCR Nambiar, a temple veterinary officer, said the Indian elephantswere being treated after spending months walking on tarred roads,living on palm leaves and bananas and playing guard of honour duringnumerous temple festivals。

　　Their 'spa' daily diet includes special rice, horse gram andturmeric in addition to a mix of multi-vitamins, tonics and mineral andliver extracts, all monitored by experts。

　　This rejuvenation treatment would also calm them down ahead of abusy work schedule in upcoming events later in the year where they arethe principal attraction。

　　The entire elephant 'holiday' package costs the temple authoritiesover Rs 900,000 (￡12,500) but additional funds were available shouldthey be required for the highly revered animals。

　　Hindus believe that propitiating Ganesha the elephant god clearsall obstacles in addition to providing its worshippers wisdom, prudenceand power。

　　Consequently, possessing elephants is a traditional symbol of prestige for temples across southern India。

　　All temples, however, never purchase their elephants as they were donated by devotees as a sign of piety。