New Delhi: In the early 1900s, it wasn't uncommon for humans to use technological prowess for the express purpose of torturing the hell out of animals.
In one particularly mind-boggling incident, a five-ton circus elephant named Mary was condemned to death by hanging after her owners nixed executions by firearms, dismemberment, and electrocution.
Only a few days after being hired, September 12, 1916, Red Eldridge, a hotel worker hired as assistant elephant handler, led Mary to a pond to for a drink and to splash around.
On the way to the pond Mary bent down to eat part of a watermelon. Eldridge, being impatient, prodded Mary behind the ear with a hook. Mary went into a rage.
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