Yes. That is actually a quote from the owner of the Samut Prakan Zoo -- a (what? can one even call him a person?) named Uthen Youngprapakorn. Gluay Hom is still chained in the same place under the stadium. He is still very skinny. He cannot be rescued unless the facility surrenders or sells him, or authorities seize him.

And authorities -- specifically Thailand’s Department of Livestock, whose jurisdiction includes captive elephants -- appear to be blind. Or corrupt. Or both. What else can explain the fact that after inspecting the Samut Prakan Zoo the Bangkok Post reports that officials “found no problems with the physical aspects of the zoo, but recommended the management added activities and tools to improve the [lives] of the animals in its cages.” "Activities and tools" for starving, abused, emaciated captive animals that can barely stand let alone perform tricks under duress- this has to be a new low for humanity.