Well he got away with it and generated some press. Unfortunately the press he got, wasn't about the point he claimed he was trying to make, but that's ok.
I don't think the elephant was abused any more than taking them away from their native habitat in the first place. Tai got to hang out in a pretty posh warehouse, eat snacks, watch all the people and maybe pee on a persian rug.
Unlike the politically incorrect, dyed baby chicks (who can't snuff you out in a heartbeat
), I doubt Tai will be discarded or abandoned after the show ends. The chicks were used as a live toy and live critters don't do well in the toy box.