Model slammed for posing n.a.k.e.d on top of an elephant

A Miss Maxim model sparked controversy by posing on top of an elephant. Jessica Rast was inspired by the nature she saw during her Australia travels and a trip she did at a safari.

So to capture some of her experiences, she conducted a photoshoot on top of an elephant.

She explained: 

The photo was taken very calmly – there were animal protectors to help me make the click.

The Bali travel image was bound to make waves when she posted it on social media.

Elephant riding has been condemned by animal welfare organisations like the Humane Society of the US and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

This is because elephants are often abused in order to “train” them to carry tourists.

Despite this, Jessica defended the move and described the photoshoot as “art”.

On Instagram, the Canadian model wrote: 

Just being a forest fairy. We are natural. This is natural. Do you find this artistic of offensive? To me, everything (and everyone) is art.

Even though elephant riding is condemned by many animal charities, the model’s post still garnered 6,000 likes.

While some slammed her, many also defended the model in the comments section.

One responder wrote: 

Wow art all the way! Lucky elephant.

Another said: 

Keep being you – don’t care what anybody thinks. You are special and amazing.