Warning: It is VERY graphic. Does it have an owner who is quick to rub its ears and spend time with it? As word spreads about the horrific truth behind elephant riding, tour operatorsand national parks around theworld are taking a stance. Their natural habitats have been mostly destroyed; some captive elephants carry diseases that could harm wild populations; and besides, not all elephants get alongeven in the jungle. While I agree that there are many places in Thailand that offer elephant rides that are shady, there are also some hidden gems that are great.

My husband & I visited Patara Elephant Farm when we were in Chiang Mai on our honeymoon. That is the finding of a major study of how forest elephants deal with oil exploration in central Africa. I agree with Liam here and disagree with the overstated perspective of the author. Elephants. An easy way to see the damage that can be done to these animals If that won't sway you not much will. "These bony protrusions and the tissue protecting them are vulnerable to weight and pressure coming from above.". Dream About Killing an Elephant. In fact, the woman who released this video (yes, it was sent to PETA, but she received no financial compensation for it) was attacked by her own government and accused not only of faking the entire video, but speaking out against her country. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Riding It can also be a sign of financial stability. There are no elephant rides that are ethical, she said. This is the teenager who has revived a surprising tradition that was the norm for his British ancestors riding giraffes. Not everyone can get into the popular parks you recommend. This is one place I would recommend to take an elephant ride in Thailand. Should you ride a motorbike in Thailand? However a friend -who is an animal rights supporter- visited Patra's and loved it. An elephant may also use its tail to gently feel what is following it, like a baby, or forcefully swat another elephant to indicate they should back off. Inthe US, organizations, including theHumane Society of the USand theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums,are against riding elephants because of the abuse the animals undergo when they are taughtto carry people, as well as safety concerns. Bon Appetit, little one. (The last thing the world needs right now is more elephants being born into captivity.) I fight for the horses having to pull their carriages in NYC and have had arguments with people in other countries when I see the poor horses dragging their carriages and the last thing I want to do is do the same with an elephant. However, I spent a great deal of time researching this information and speaking with experts, reviewing horrific undercover footage and striving to provide accurate information. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. For example I'm pretty sure if my wife and I each get our own elephants they can hold her 135lbs and my 180lbs plus a harness.

Only in America do we attack 3rd world economies, attempting to exploit their ethical flaws. Elephant Nature Park is not a good place for an elephant. If the camp claims it has a no hooks, no chains policy, ask how the mahouts control the elephants. Calves stay close to their mothers. It is unfortunate when we do things as travelers that are not good for the environment, the local people, or the local wildlife because of simple ignorance. Any activity the group feels may cause pain or bring harm to the elephantwalking a tightrope, riding a bicycle, or doing headstands, for instancehas been prohibited. It is silly.
I would like to think that our ideas of entertainment have evolved in the last 20-30 years.

It is difficult to re-condition ourselves to believe that animals are not here for us or our entertainment.
They are here for their own reasons. Click here to learn more about the elephant riding industry.
Think about it!
. Something has to pay their way and that something, for now anyway, is still tourism. There are other options for these elephants that still allow camps to make money -- namely those that offer the chance to spend time with elephants, feeding and bathing them, and NOT riding them, doing tricks or painting.

As for my sources, a good deal of information was gathered via conversations with elephant experts and advocates during my time in Thailand, and beyond, as well as my own first-hand experience seeing the results of a lifetime of trekking. I turned down the elephant ride on offer in Pai, Thailand for the same reasons. Sure there are healthy calves but how many live? to comment 44, that's great that you know of good camps and promote them.
. 60% of Thailand's elephants are captive elephants, and 60% of those are used for tourism. In a survey of 13,000 people, one of the primary reasons travelers gave for wanting to patronize elephant rides and shows was love of animals. But anyone who shares any concern for the dwindling elephant population or captive elephant abuse should work to end these tourist attractionsnot fund them. In fact you just commented on my personal blog, which, I must say provides some contradictory information as to what you just posted here. Spending even an afternoon with them, feeding them and bathing them, will give you great insight into how remarkable and amazing these animals are. Congrats to all those who've decided not to ride these wonderful beasts. So thanks for the info I will try the Elephant Nature Park and/or come back and volunteer with Surin.

I would like to add that after skimming some of the comments and arguments people have left I have to say yes and kudos to Eva- I completely agree. The results found that the welfare standards in most elephant venues that were assessed in Southeast Asia was quite poor, says Intrepid Groups Responsible Business Manager, Liz Manning. Be honest. ELEPHANTS are not fazed by dynamite explosions, but change their behaviour significantly to avoid humans. It involves ripping baby elephants away from their mothers and confining them in a very small space, like a cage or hole in the ground where theyre unable to move. Discussion is a good thing. If you are genuinely concerned about the future existence of elephants, focus on the issues which are actually threatening them as a species. 3. Does It Hurt An Elephant To Ride Them Related Questions, Buy 3 Get 15% Off & Free Shipping- Bodysuit Shapewear - touchtoin, Buy 3 Get 15% Off & Free Shipping- Bodysuit Shapewear - Morals-style.mo, Buy 3 Get 15% Off & Free Shipping- Bodysuit Shapewear - morals-style. It was 40 degrees, no wind, she had no rest and no water. What do you think about Elefantastic in Jaipur India? Being an animal lover I think it is important for all of us not to hurt them in any intention. It is very clever at hiding the real facts. He refuses to read all the comments and unlike me, is not a sentimentalist woth regard to animal welfare. She is like a prisoner, who cannot spend her days with her friends, roam in vast territories, and have delicious adequate food! However, this is not the only reason you should give elephant riding a miss. The question is how much CAN this animal support, and finding organizations that abide to those rules. Remember, all of these elephants have suffered through the abusive and torturous crush." 1. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In fact, I just nailed two smoking hot hookers in Bangkok and they're asleep in my bed at the W as I check my email this morning. In some estimates, 1 out of every 10 elephants carries the disease. To do this, they need space to splash, roll around, submerge, and cover themselves in mud. It was investigated by the Thai Police. Msg/data rates may apply. I am saddened that, despite all of the reasons above, including the abuse to these animals, you would still encourage people to ride them. The Elephant in the room Debunking the many myths of However, I would like to add one general comment about our attitude to animals in general, which is often somehow schizofrenic. If you disapprove of the treatment of elephants in Thailand, please go to this thread and give your views.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/in-chiang-mai-thailand.cfm

. Most of these animals are not born in captivity but captured from the wild. You might see many articles that say riding elephants does not hurt the elephants. Many would argue that every elephant should be wild and free. There are How would you like to be deprived of everything that makes you comfortable so you can be someone's slave? I worry about the future, and the impending extinction of Asian elephants if the tourism industry does not change. They provide medical care and social interactions for the elephants, and they need support. I'm certain there are elephants that are not, such as our local zoo's promote those organizations and market them. There are successful births. Using our national symbol as a tool for profit and entertainment is a disgrace. Mahouts have been looking after elephants longer than Christianity and Islam have existed, Roberts notes. I did have an offer to ride one in Siem Reap a long time ago and declined. Elephants do carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. Because they have a high sale value, not only are babies illegally captured, their protective mothers are also often killed as they try to save them. If they don't exist, clearly there is a unique business opportunity in Thailand to provide them.

The whole too much weight argument is ridiculous and could be applied to all animals. If you have any problems, please contact us. How do I open up this cable box, or remove it entirely? Training of elephants is in the final third. WebIt shouldnt take a significant tragedy like COVID-19 to show us just how bad captive elephants have it. It's a whole master-servant dichotomy that no one seems to have a problem with when it happens on their own doorstep in the West, but everyone is quick to blame when it is poorer people doing it for a livelihood in the East.

. It implies that all Thai people accept these bad practices, and insinuates that *every* elephant is trained this way. It does. Why Elephant Riding Should Be Removed from Your Travels But that does not mean the care of the elephants is sacrificed in any way! When they arent working, the animals are usually kept in sheds or shacksoften with concrete floors that damage their legsand theyre bound by chains that can be so tight they can barely move. Check it out online if you still doubt.

By the way, asking questions is a good idea, but just remember that they are tourist-savvy
and will tell you exactly what you want to hear. 52 successful births in relation to how many pregnancies and elephants?

You also mention question what will happen to mahouts and elephants if people stop riding them. Because it is now illegal to trap and traffic wild elephants in Thailand, some trekking camps breed elephants in captivity to maintain their populations. What Can You Do To Help Save Our Planet's Coral Reefs? Also, not sure if you saw this recent post but you should read the comment below:

Living in Thailand I can say that everything in this article is true. It does not store any personal data. They require frequent baths, and rolls in the mud to prevent sunburn and bug bites. WebRiding elephants is cruel. Sitting atop its back as the giant animal slowly meandersalong a white sand beach, orthrough rushing streams in the thick of the jungle. I'm a big animal lover as many of us are, and I'm definitely going to do a lot more research on this, but for the author to say that "every elephant in captivity has been abused at some point" seems a little dramatic. Nearly half of the captive Asian elephants in Thailand are registered to five or six villages in the Surin province, and this is where the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation has focused much of its attention: by renting its elephants instead of buying them, it provides jobs to both mammal and mahout; by bringing in full-time veterinary care; and by working to improve the education of the village youth. No, I haven't either, but common sense dictates that cruel treatment is likely to be more common than kind - simply because of what I said earlier - previously, this is been the norm due to the prevalence of a different moral code regarding the treatment of animals.

Later we went to Chiang Mai and took a second try at the elephant experience and were amazed at the difference. Furthermore, riding them does not promise it will keep them on the planet. It only condemns them to a poor existence. They deprive elephants of medical care also. Of course, everyone is a self-proclaimed expert in the blogging world these days. But this doesn't have to be a purely one way relationship - there are ways to achieve some of these things that can benefit the animals as well as us. comment #50 is also shortsighted. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Let me know if there is a place where we can send the complaints.
There is so much beauty in Thailand and the people were so amazing this was the only thing that was completely out of balance with the rest of the travel experience. But the truth is, riding elephants should be avoided. There are further complications from having a chair (howdah) attached to their backs. Lots of sites warn you not to ride elephants as they are often treated poorly and don't have freedom (1,2). They are broken into submission, typically by restraining them with ropes or chains, so they can only move when instructed. Elephants spines cannot support the weight of people and doing so all day can lead to permanent spinal injuries. The so called people need to make a living. The mahouts are employed and cared for at these places. Yes, horses have rounded spines. Here is a story about our visit there: http://funnyplumber.com/Stories/04-26-08_Mahout_Training.pdf. yeah ok. ignorant fvcks. It isnt safe for humans to make direct contact with elephantsgetting too close can be deadly. Chitwan National Park uses elephants for two parts of its tourism industry: elephant safaris to see a one-horned rhino, and elephant baths. Corporal punishment was banned in schools +\-15yrs ago here in South Africa, why was this done?
.on second thoughts, rather not answer that but perhaps consider what I've mentioned in the begin, sit back and reflect on your behaviour and actions. What does humaneness mean to you?
So much time and energy is wasted debating over the howdah, bullhooks, chains, wether or not the spine can support, comparisons between cats, dogs, horses,bla bla blaaaaa, etc.we are constantly looking for loopholes to justify our actions but sadly missing the point (who are we/you to determine fate? Just watching the elephants at this sanctuary brought more happiness to me than riding a "slave". Over this time baby elephants are starved, shackled, and beaten until their spirit is completely broken and will submit to the will of their captors. So the best thing [we can do] is try to help the camps that are offering that do it in a way that doesnt harm the elephants. The ACEWG is currently working with the independent not-for-profit sustainability auditors at Travelife to develop a welfare-minded certification system that will help travel agencies determine which tourism camps are operating the most humanely. Large tour operators like STA Travel, TUI Group, G Adventures, and Intrepid Travel have responded in kind, eliminating trekking and elephant shows from their itineraries. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Tourists are unknowingly driving elephant cruelty by choosing softer interactions such as bathing and selfies but these cause just as much suffering as elephant rides and shows. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Elephants may be enormous, but they have not been bred to be ridden. It came up in a conversation with an elephant advocate who explained it to me like that, and I thought it fit well. It is neither right or wrong. They should be returned to where they belong and that is jungle. So its a sad reality that thousands of elephants live in captivity. TheElephant Nature ParkorBoon Lotts Elephant Sanctuaryin Northern Thailand are two reputable places where humanelephant interactionwon't compromise the elephants safety. In reality, while there may be some bad operators, there is also a tradition of elephant training that is much older than the tourism industry, and it predates the invention of bull hooks and electric prods, which are not part of the ancient tradition of elephant training. i'm not blaming those people who are out there trying to survive, i'm just saying to you all again - face reality.

i say, ride them, wash them, and feed them, AND care about their plight.