The practices surrounding elephant tourism vary widely, and not all are beneficial to these gentle giants. As travelers, it's crucial to understand how to engage with elephants responsibly, ensuring our interactions contribute positively to their wellbeing and conservation efforts and not to exploitation and cruelty.
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This is an image I took during a trip I took to Chitwan, Nepal. Sadly, the elephant safari rides are widespread and popular. Look closely at the right hind leg of the elephant. A big scar where she has been consistently chained is evident.
Ending Elephant Tourism Cruelty in Our Lifetime - Is it Possible?
Some 32 million people around the world support a campaign driven by Save The Asian Elephants (STAE) to stop elephant tourism cruelty. But why is this the case? Isn’t it fascinating watching them perform, bathing with an elephant or even riding one? You’ll be sure never to support this type of entertainment after you learn what these elephants had to go through.
Join me this week as I share a positive way in which we believe you have made a difference towards potentially ending elephant tourism cruelty in our lifetime.
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How to Be an Elephant-Friendly Tourist in Nepal - Etiquette Tips & Animal Welfare Approved Sites
The number of foreign visitors arriving in Nepal has increased by almost 40% in the past three years, according to local Nepalese media. This means that there will be more demand for local services and goods to cater for the increasing number of tourists. Among those services, elephant rides will continue to be offered as part of the “experience”. What does that mean to captive elephants and their welfare?
In this blog post we thoroughly explain why the humane and ethical alternatives to elephant rides should be considered on your next trip to Chitwan, Nepal. You will also find useful etiquette tips to visiting the national park as well as an array of vegan options and the review on Nepal’s only elephant-friendly eco-resort (animal welfare approved!).
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These happy elephants live their life in retirement at Nepal's only elephant-friendly resort. This place is Tiger Tops in Chitwan National Park. Image © Diana, The Elephant Soul
What is Happening to Asia's Elephants and Why Should We care - 5 Reasons Why They Need Us to Take Action Today
When ethical principles become the basis of our decisions, the tourist industry in Asia will have to yield and change their practices. Some have already done so! There have been new developments and I’m excited to share the information of those venues offering ethical and humane elephant interactions in Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal. No elephant rides of course!
Come join me as I also share 5 reasons why we should be [truly] concerned about Asia’s captive elephants and 5 ways in which we can all help.
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Lucky Kali taking a dust bath. She is the first working elephant in Nepal to ever retire. Image © Association Moey
Fun Ways to Give on World Elephant Day - 10 Companies Supporting Elephant Welfare Around the World
Throughout my years as an advocate for elephants living in captivity, I have come to know about the elephant welfare organizations shared here and believe their work is sound and much needed in the areas where they’re located. Additionally, I have researched each of the companies listed here to make sure that I include them as responsible alternatives for fun gifts to consider giving out on this World Elephant Day.
Thoughtful gifts and donations in honor of our loved ones also help spread the word about the elephant cause. Check these out.
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We all love elephants, so why can’t we ride them?
Tour operators, travel agencies, resorts and elephant handlers around Asia offer tourists the “exciting” opportunity to ride an elephant . Many say it is the “green way” to experience nature and spot wildlife. However, this is far from ideal as these elephants are kept in miserable conditions in order to work for tourists. Many have complained in online forums that the elephants were mistreated and beaten during the ride, or that they felt very guilty because they saw the elephants tightly chained afterwards. Most wish they had known before about the issue.
You can put your compassion into action. Here are the most appropriate ways to interact with elephants in captivity.
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