Pledge to never ride an elephant or support an exploitative elephant tourism attraction

Riding an elephant may seem like a memorable tourist activity, but for the elephants involved, it means a lifetime of fear, exhausting work, abuse and separation from their families in the wild.

In South Africa, India and Thailand, elephant rides and interactions are often promoted to meet tourist demand, and visitors book these experiences without knowing the cruelty behind them. Many of these elephants were caught as babies in the wild, torn from their families. They are then trained with brutal methods, including torture and beatings to force them to accept riders and obey commands.

Elephant rides are not the only concern. Vacationers also need to be aware of experiences like elephant bathing encounters, forced performances and painting shows. These attractions are marketed as harmless or even beneficial to elephants, but these activities can also rely on cruel training and constant control.

The elephants may have been subjected to cruel training methods involving metal bullhooks—which are sharp, steel-tipped weapons used to force elephants to obey. They may also be chained, isolated or kept in conditions that deny them adequate space and social connection.

Some elephants in the tourism industry never receive medical treatment, are denied adequate food and water, and are scarred from beatings and stabbings. Many elephants display not only physical scars, but also engage in stereotypic behaviors like swaying, head bobbing or banging—external manifestations of mental stress that comes from trauma or boredom. They may also be forced to work long hours without adequate rest or veterinary care. 

Don’t contribute to the demand that fuels this suffering by purchasing or participating in an elephant tourism experience.