A new report has slammed the use of elephants in the tourism industry, accusing operators of “appalling cruelty”.
World Animal Protection said that the trends seen in the Asian tour industry, whereby elephants used for tourist rides and shows, are now spreading to southern Africa. According to the report, elephants calves are being are taken away from their mothers to endure “cruel and stressful training” to make them tolerate being ridden.
“If not addressed urgently, hundreds more… elephants could face a lifetime of cruel confinement, beatings and other harsh treatment, all for tourist entertainment,” the report asserts.
While elephant tourism is well established in Asia, World Animal Protection warned that the practice is now spreading throughout southern Africa.
There are now reported to be 144 captive elephants in at least 28 different South African venues, plus 47 elephants in seven parks in Zimbabwe, 13 in two venues in Zambia, and 11 in two venues in Botswana.
The report also states that 24 young elephants were recently sold and exported by the Zimbabwean government to Chimelong Safari Park in China, where they will “suffer a life of abuse performing in shows and giving rides”.
“You’re taking the wild out of Africa by breaking the spirit of their elephants so they can be ridden and perform for tourists,” said Kate Nustedt, director of Wildlife at World Animal Protection. “People who love animals will be shocked about the cruelty behind the scenes of elephant rides, and they will no longer want to take part.
“There are many places in southern Africa for tourists to see elephants in the wild, and we’re encouraging people to see them there, not in cruel tourist entertainment.”
More than 20 travel companies around the world, including TUI Netherlands, Intrepid Travel, Asian Oasis and World Expeditions, have stopped offering elephant rides or shows to their customers.
“We’re calling on all operators to do the same, and to show their commitment to this by signing the World Animal Protection Elephant-friendly Tourism Pledge,” Ms Nustedt added.
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