Elephants are wildlife. Not entertainers.

The appalling cruelty inflicted upon Asian elephants used for tourist rides and shows is now spreading throughout Southern Africa.

Today we have released a report detailing the rise of elephant rides and shows in Southern Africa; a tourist attraction that is already well established in parts of Asia.

Elephant rides are a popular and lucrative tourist activity, but behind the scenes the animals are taken from their mothers, their spirit is broken, and they endure cruel and stressful ‘training’ to make them tolerate being ridden. If not addressed urgently hundreds more African elephants could face a lifetime of cruel confinement, beatings and other harsh treatment, all for tourist entertainment.

The situation for elephants in Africa is urgent

Asian elephants have suffered for decades to meet the growing demand for elephant rides and shows on holidays. The industry is now spreading through Southern Africa.

There are now at least 36 commercial elephant venues, holding 215 captive elephants, operating across Southern Africa. If left unchecked hundreds more African elephants will face lifetimes of cruelty and abuse for tourist entertainment.

The scale of abuse to elephants will get even worse if rides and entertainments are allowed to spread across Africa. We want to stop this happening before it is too late. Together, with your help, we can.

A life entertaining tourists is no life for a wild animal

Across the world animals are being taken from the wild and bred in captivity to be used in the tourist entertainment industry. The demand for wildlife holiday experiences is driving the cruel animal entertainment industry.

We have the power to reduce that demand and change the industry now. Join our global movement to stop this cruelty.

Elephant rides are a popular and lucrative tourist activity, but behind the scenes the animals are taken from their mothers, their spirit is broken, and they endure cruel and stressful ‘training’ to make them tolerate being ridden