Movie assess: 'The Elephant in the Living Room'

Would you believe with the intention of here are more tigers in captivity in Texas than in the total of Africa? Such declarations be converted into completely credible as documentarian Michael Webber's "The Elephant in the Living Room" delves into the growing trend of Americans treating approximately of the generally treacherous animals on Earth as household pets.

Webber anchors his film in the activities of Tim Harrison, a now-retired safety detective in Oakwood, Ohio, a blossoming housing convergence of distinguished homes on enormous lots.

Harrison has captured and rescued hundreds of alligators, lions, tigers and the leading and generally deadly snakes — all in the U.S.

News reports of a 500-plus-pound lion reported on an throughway highway bring Harrison in friend with the lion's title-holder, Terry Brumfield, who lives in nearby ridge County, everywhere it is impeccably officially authorized pro him to keep the lion, Lambert, and his mate, Lacie, in a generous confined area.

Still distress from the things of a serious truck accident, Brumfield has been soothed by his lions' presence and loves them like his own children. While fearing pro the animals' ultimate providence, Harrison wins Brumfield's trust, and the unfolding of the men's friendship and the destiny of the lions form the curve of the film.

"The Elephant in the Living Room" reveals the recklessness, cruelty and danger of treating often lethal exotic animals as pets. This impeccably made film is chock-full of enlightening and now and again bizarre moments: Visits to an exotic creature expo and an public sale by which a small boy is agreed a treacherous baby snake as a pet.

Webber is furthermore fair-minded: He includes a Las Vegas exotic pets dealer, a qualified zoologist who wisely states with the intention of except owners of such creatures play a role responsibly, worry amid the broadcast will cause increasing banning of the confidential ownership of such pets. "The Elephant in the Living Room" may possibly scarcely be more engaging — or more consciousness-raising.