Why You Shouldn’t Ride an Elephant: The Hidden Cruelty Behind the Activity

Why it’s time to rethink elephant riding and entertainment

In countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, it’s not uncommon to encounter the opportunity to ride an elephant or interact with these magnificent animals.

It’s a unique experience that many dream of – and we completely understand the allure!

But, as the title suggests, we strongly advise against supporting such activities.

We believe that most people would reconsider if they actually knew the reality behind them…

So, why shouldn’t we ride elephants?

The short answer: Elephants used for entertainment are often taken from the wild, subjected to harsh treatment and trained through cruel methods.

One of the most effective ways to combat animal cruelty is simply to stop supporting it.

Below, we’ll explore some of the shocking practices involved in elephant riding and entertainment with elephants.

The nature of the elephant

Elephants are highly intelligent animals that live in close-knit herds, forming strong, complex relationships within their families.

In the wild, they roam over vast distances, reflecting their need for space and social interaction.

In captivity, however, they are often confined to small enclosures, isolated from their families and chained until tourists arrive for short rides of just 10-30 minutes.

A stark contrast to their natural behaviour and needs!

Three quick elephant facts:

• There are three species of elephant: the African savannah elephant, the African forest elephant and the Indian (or Asian) elephant. African elephants have much larger ears compared to their Asian counterparts.
• Elephants are the world’s largest land animals: African elephants can weigh between 6-7 tons and live up to 60-70 years. At birth, their calves can weigh over 100 kg.
• Elephants are endangered: In the past century, approximately 90% of African elephants have disappeared (primarily due to the ivory trade). Today, around 400,000 remain in the wild. As for Asian elephants, only about 50,000 are left, confined to just 15% of their original habitat. Their population has dwindled to half of what it was 30 years ago.

Breaking down the elephant

The elephant is a large, wild animal that must be tamed before it can be ridden or perform for tourists.

Typically, this involves taking the animal from its family and subjecting it to days of brutal training to “break” its spirit. This practice is known as “the crush”.

During this process, the elephant is confined to a small enclosure and subjected to violent methods, such as being stabbed with sharp hooks or bamboo sticks with nails.

In addition to the physical pain, elephants endure severe psychological trauma, including hunger and sleep deprivation. This, of course, makes them stressed.

Elephants born in captivity may not experience the same treatment as wild elephants, but in our view, this is not a valid justification for keeping them in captivity.

And this is far from the only reason to avoid elephant riding…

The daily life of an elephant in captivity

As mentioned earlier, many elephants are isolated and chained, which goes completely against their natural social and movement needs.

The elephant trainer and the person most often sitting on the elephant’s neck (often called a mahout) typically uses a tool called a “bullhook” to control the animal.

A bullhook is a long metal rod with a sharp hook at the end, which can be used as a weapon to poke the elephants and force them to obey.

In addition to this, elephants are sometimes beaten, and although they have thick skin, the mahouts are well aware of the sensitive areas on their body.

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Back injuries and wounds

In addition to the harsh treatment they endure, it’s exhausting for elephants to carry people on their backs all day.

They are obviously not built for this, and the constant pressure on their spines can result in permanent back damage.

The chairs placed on their backs to provide a comfortable seat for riders also cause painful wounds and blisters on their skin, which can easily become infected.

Profit comes first

Elephant riding (and all other forms of animal entertainment) is ultimately never about the well-being of the animal.

The people or companies behind these experiences are focused on profit, which is often at odds with proper animal welfare.

Make a difference by choosing not to support these practices.

If elephant riding becomes unprofitable, these establishments will eventually shut down.

This would mean fewer elephants taken from the wild or bred in captivity, which is a step in the right direction for their protection.

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Accidents involving elephants

When large, wild animals are taken from their natural habitat and kept in poor conditions, accidents are bound to occur.

There have been incidents where elephants have rebelled (or perhaps more accurately, defended themselves), leading to people being trampled to death or injured.

Interacting with elephants is not without risk – even when they are in captivity and have been “tamed”.

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Ethical alternatives to elephant riding

Elephant safari in the wild

If you want to see elephants responsibly, look for safari options where you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Even in national parks, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid driving too close.

Elephant reserves (sanctuaries)

There are also elephant reserves, or so-called sanctuaries, that care for injured elephants and/or those who have been previously exploited for tourism.

However, be cautious, as it’s relatively easy (and great marketing) for a place to label itself a “sanctuary”. If the experience involves touching, playing or taking pictures with the elephants, it’s likely not in their best interest.

A true sanctuary should ideally discourage such activities and instead focus on allowing the elephants to engage in natural, elephant-like behaviours – rather than interacting with people.

Always do thorough research before deciding to visit an elephant reserve.

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Thank you for thinking of the animals

Thank you for reading our guide on why you should avoid elephant riding.

We hope you’ve gained valuable insights!

What are your thoughts on elephant riding and the care of elephants in general? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below.

Feel free to share the link to our guide with a friend or family member who might be tempted to try elephant riding while abroad.

Every person who chooses to forgo elephant riding helps make a difference for these incredible animals. Thanks!