Watch Tyke: Elephant Outlaw

Tyke: Elephant Outlaw is a documentary film that tells the story of a circus elephant named Tyke who went on a rampage through the streets of Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1994, ultimately losing her life in a hail of police bullets. The film explores the circumstances that led up to the tragic event, as well as the larger issues of animal welfare, human exploitation, and social justice that surround it.

The film opens with footage of the rampage itself, interspersed with news reports and commentary from witnesses and officials who were present at the time. We see Tyke running wild through the streets, overturning cars, and attacking anyone who comes near her. The scene is chaotic and terrifying, and sets the tone for the rest of the film.

From there, the film goes back in time to trace Tyke's journey from her birth in a game reserve in Mozambique to her eventual arrival at Circus International, a touring circus based in the United States. Along the way, we meet the people who were involved in Tyke's life, including her trainers, her owners, and the animal rights activists who worked to free her from captivity. We also learn about the harsh conditions that circus animals are forced to endure, including confinement, physical abuse, and mental distress.

Throughout the film, we hear from a wide range of experts and advocates who speak to the larger issues raised by Tyke's story. These include animal rights activists like In Defense of Animals president Elliot Katz, who argues that circus animals are treated like property rather than living beings; elephant experts like veterinarian Dr. Joyce Poole, who explains the complex emotional lives of elephants and the harm that captivity can do to them; and social justice advocates like Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte, who draws connections between Tyke's story and the exploitation of indigenous peoples in Hawaii and elsewhere.

One of the most powerful elements of the film is the archival footage of Tyke herself, which shows her performing in the circus and interacting with her trainers. On the one hand, we see her doing tricks and seemingly enjoying the attention she receives from humans. On the other hand, we see her being prodded with sharp sticks, chained up for hours on end, and forced to perform even when she is clearly in pain or distress. These images are difficult to watch, but they help to illustrate the complex and often contradictory relationships that humans have with animals.

Another strength of the film is its use of interviews with key players in Tyke's story. We hear from former circus employees who describe the harsh treatment of animals that they witnessed behind the scenes, as well as from animal rights activists who fought to free Tyke and other circus animals from captivity. These interviews provide valuable insights into the motivations and experiences of the people involved in the circus industry, and help to humanize the various stakeholders in Tyke's story.

Overall, Tyke: Elephant Outlaw is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about the treatment of animals in captivity and the larger social issues that underlie this problem. While it is a difficult film to watch at times, it is also an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about animal welfare and human responsibility.

Tyke: Elephant Outlaw is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.