大象也能享受SPA？沒錯，在印度喀拉拉邦，大象在寺廟工作幾個月後將被送去度假。在一個月的假期裡，它們可以盡情放鬆身心，在池塘裡享受SPA水療的樂趣，之後還可以享用各種食物並品嘗專家特製的營養餐，以幫助其恢復體力並為下一階段的工作做好準備。整個節日活動花費寺院近90萬印度盧比（1.25萬英鎊）。
Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent on month-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils as they recover from their arduous labour. |
Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent on month-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils as they recover from their arduous labour.
The herd of 64 elephants from the Sree Krishna will be fed large quantities of food - enough for them to put on 700-800 pounds - and pampered.
During this period, 64 elephants from Kerala's Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur will be fed large quantities of food and pampered.
TCR Nambiar, a temple veterinary officer, said the Indian elephants were being treated after spending months walking on tarred roads, living on palm leaves and bananas and playing guard of honour during numerous temple festivals.
Their 'spa' daily diet includes special rice, horse gram and turmeric in addition to a mix of multi-vitamins, tonics and mineral and liver extracts, all monitored by experts.
This rejuvenation treatment would also calm them down ahead of a busy work schedule in upcoming events later in the year where they are the principal attraction.
The entire elephant 'holiday' package costs the temple authorities over Rs 900,000 (£12,500) but additional funds were available should they be required for the highly revered animals.
Hindus believe that propitiating Ganesha the elephant god clears all obstacles in addition to providing its worshippers wisdom, prudence and 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.
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(Agencies)
（中國日報網英語點津 實習生史莉萍 編輯陳丹妮）