Elephant trekking is a popular activity offered to tourists whilst travelling around the world, including in Thailand. But what many tourists dont actually see or take into consideration is the way elephants are 'trained' in order to behave in this way. Recently there has been many harrowing youtube videos and articles showing the true nature behind how these elephants are treated just to provide a tourist attraction. Below is one such article:
Its a sound not easily forgotten. Just before dawn in the remote highlands of northern Thailand, a four year old elephant bellows as seven village men stab nails into her ears and feet. She is tied up and immobilised in a small wooden cage. The cage is called a training crush. Its the centrepiece of a centuries old ritual in northern Thailand designed to domesticate young elephants. In addition to serve beatings, handlers use sleep deprivation, hunger and thirst to "break" the elephants spirit and make them submissive to owners. Its a ritual that exists in varying forms and degrees of cruelty. The people believe that to control the animal they have to do something to make the elephant feel fear and pain.
With the worlds elephant population on a major decline it is even more shocking that these animals are being used in such a way. Dont be a part of this cruelty by not going on elephant trekks, and make your feelings known to tour providers and companies that are offering such activities. Elephants are wild animals and maybe its time we realise that it is not ethical to have close contact with them. Support other projects that actually work on keeping elephants in the wild, and see them on a safari in there natural habitats where they actually should be.
Please note this petition has been made due to my elephant trekking experience in Thailand, where I was shocked to see first hand the treatment they suffer.
