What Is Elephant Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Elephant tourism is a type of tourism that involves interacting with elephants in various ways. It includes elephant rides, feeding, bathing, and even watching them perform tricks. While it may seem like a fun and exciting activity for tourists, there are many controversies surrounding this form of tourism.

The Problem with Elephant Tourism
The problem with elephant tourism lies in the way these animals are treated. Many places that offer elephant rides or shows use cruel methods to train and control the animals. The elephants are often taken from their natural habitats at a young age and subjected to harsh treatment to break their spirits.

Training Methods
One of the most common training methods is called “phajaan” or “the crush”. This involves separating baby elephants from their mothers and confining them in small spaces where they are unable to move. They are then beaten, starved, and deprived of sleep until they become submissive to their handlers.

The Negative Impact on Elephant Health
These cruel training methods can have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the elephants. They can suffer from physical injuries such as broken bones or infected wounds from being ridden by tourists who are often too heavy for them. Additionally, being kept in captivity can lead to psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

Alternative Forms of Elephant Tourism
Fortunately, there are some places that offer a more ethical form of elephant tourism. These places focus on providing a natural habitat for the elephants where they can roam freely and interact with each other without human interference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while elephant tourism may seem like an exciting activity for tourists, it is important to consider the welfare of these majestic animals before deciding to participate in any form of interaction with them. By choosing ethical alternatives or avoiding it altogether, we can help put an end to the cruel treatment of elephants in captivity.