Australia’s Sexiest Model Bares All to Battle Thai Elephant Torture

Supermodel-turned-singer Imogen Bailey posed au naturel for a PETA U.S. ad aimed at drawing attention to the ritualistic torture of baby elephants in Thailand by the tourist industry. Bailey is shown crouching and shackled with red welts across her back to symbolize the many days-long beatings of babies during a ceremony called phaajaan, under the words “Shackled, Beaten, Abused. Don’t Support Thai Elephant Cruelty!”

Approximately 3,800 of Thailand’s estimated 5,000 endangered Asian elephants are in private hands. Most are used as tourist attractions in “elephant camps,” where they are forced to perform circus tricks and give rides. PETA U.S. has uncovered the horrific torture training ritual called phaajaan, which was recently captured on a secret video in which still-nursing baby elephants are literally dragged from their mothers, kicking and screaming. They are immobilized in tiny wooden crates, deprived of food, water, and rest, and beaten mercilessly with nail-studded sticks for days at a time to prepare them for a life of servitude. These ritualized “training” sessions leave the elephants badly injured, traumatized, or even dead.

“I hope the ad helps to reveal the naked truth about the horrors that elephants in Thailand are forced to endure,” Bailey said. “The best thing people around the world can do to help is stay away from Thailand.”

In an effort to convince the Thai government to end elephant torture, PETA U.S. and its affiliates have organized protests at embassies and consulates in Australia and around the world. They have enlisted the support of internationally recognized celebrities—including action film star Steven Seagal , American TV star Bea Arthur, rock legend Morrissey, and the Dalai Lama—who have held news conferences, led demonstrations, and written letters to the Thai government.