When I visited Thailand, I made a conscious choice not to ride any elephants. Here’s why:

While elephant rides might seem like an exciting adventure for humans, they are nothing short of a nightmare for these majestic creatures. Upon mentioning my Thailand travel plans for Thailand, many people asked me whether I planned to ride an elephant. My immediate response was a resounding “No, never,” which often left people confused.

Sadly, most people are unaware of the cruelty behind elephant trekking. Many assume that because elephants are large and strong, carrying humans on their backs is effortless. However, the reality is quite different. Elephants were not built to be ridden; the practice is harmful to their sensitive skin and detrimental to their spines. Despite their apparent strength, our weight on their backs for extended periods causes significant harm. Moreover, the hidden brutality involved in allowing tourists to ride elephants is something we rarely witness.

The Crushing Process for Elephants:

Riding an elephant is far from a natural experience, and the process of preparing them is equally unnatural. Known as “crushing” or Phajaan, it is an ancient technique used to subdue these magnificent animals. Phajaan is a deeply traumatic experience for elephants, which are highly social and tightly bonded beings.

Whether captured from the wild or bred in captivity, young elephants are separated and isolated from their mothers and family groups within the first few months of life. They are restrained or confined in small spaces, subjected to starvation, dehydration, and repeated beatings to “crush” their spirit. This torture is just the beginning of a life spent in chains, deprived of proper habitat and food, forced into a monotonous routine day after day.

Unfortunately, the Phajaan process is also used in other forms of entertainment, like circus performances and painting. Those elephants you see in videos performing tricks or creating artwork have likely been subjected to this brutal training method, and their happiness is far from what the videos portray. Elephants are inherently compassionate and emotional animals. They experience joy, anger, grief, and love, with the capacity for complex thoughts and deep feelings.

The Tragic Reality

In the wild or in a safe sanctuary, elephants can live up to 60 years. However, those held in captivity, enduring the “crush” process, rarely live past 40. Some recent, tragic examples include Na-Laieng, a 40-year-old captive elephant who died from exhaustion due to excessive rides with minimal rest, and Sambo, who suffered a heart attack from exhaustion and dehydration after 15 years of carrying tourists in scorching weather. These highlight the devastating impact the tourism industry can have on these magnificent creatures. As Asia’s tourism industry grows, the number of Elephants dying from depression, dehydration, and exhaustion grows along with it.

What defines a real sanctuary?

Some travelers seek out “sanctuaries” that claim to offer ethical interactions with elephants. However, many of these places still permit a few hours of riding per day, claiming these reduced hours are “healthier.” These organizations rely on tourists remaining uninformed about the harm inflicted on these animals. The brutal truth is that breaking the spirits of these creatures to make them rideable involves cruelty at every step.

My decision not to ride elephants was driven by a deep concern for the well-being of these remarkable animals. As travelers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and make choices that prioritize an animal’s well-being over our entertainment. Let’s ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact on all the world’s inhabitants rather than contributing to their suffering.

Ensure your elephant visit is safe and ethical:

So, how do you know for sure if the sanctuary you visit is a safe, happy place for the elephants? I was able to take some time to talk with the guide at my sanctuary, and here’s what I learned:

It’s all in the body language:

• Heads and tails: Elephants exhibit body language that is similar to dogs. Wagging tails and flapping ears are a sign that the elephant is content and happy. Conversely, if their ears are pinned back, and their tails are stiff, it’s an indication of stress and anxiety. The latter may suggest that the elephant is not being treated fairly or is experiencing discomfort.
• It’s all in the eyes: Much like humans, elephants’ eyes reveal their emotions. When they are anxious or stressed, their eyes widen. Hopefully, the Elephants you see will have lazy, half-closed eyes and tails swishing in a relaxed manner. This is a positive sign that they are living free from the torments of irresponsible tourism.
• Conversations: Did you know elephants often speak at frequencies we can’t hear? One sound you will (hopefully) hear at your sanctuary visit is a low, rumbling sound from the elephants as they make calm conversation with each other. This subtle vocalization is a testament to their complex social interactions.
• The trumpet call: Children often imitate the trumpet sound when asked what noise an elephant makes. However, this distinctive sound is a clear signal of distress and fear. In the wild, elephants typically make this trumpet sound before charging, and young elephants use it to call for their mothers when they need help.

By paying attention to these cues in elephant body language, you can gain insights into their emotional states and well-being. It’s up to us as responsible travelers to support sanctuaries and organizations that prioritize the welfare and happiness of elephants. That way, we can ensure they live free from harm and suffering.

How you can help these elephants:

I hope this article sheds light on the elephant tourism industry and encourages you to refrain from participating in the mistreatment of these intelligent and gentle creatures. If you’re eager to learn more about how you can contribute to elephant welfare, explore the links below!

Responsible Tourism

Learn more about traveling responsibly and sustainably in my recent post on Responsible Tourism