STATEMENT: Tourist killed by elephant
News
This is a stark reminder that elephants are wild animals, and not meant to be ridden.
A Scottish tourist has been killed by an elephant while on holiday on Koh Samui island in Thailand. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man who lost his life.
Through our Wildlife Not Entertainers campaign we have been spreading the message far and wide that elephants belong in the wild and not in tourist attractions. Despite what you may see in travel brochures, the reality for elephants at tourist attractions is one of suffering and sadness. Often separated from their mothers and family groups at just a few months old, their spirits are broken as they experience great physical and mental trauma to be forced to interact with and perform for people.
As a result of our campaigning work over 80 travel companies worldwide have committed to stop offering these cruel activities. We will continue to work with travel companies across the globe to ensure that many more join our movement to end elephant rides.
Elephants are cruelly abused to 'tame' them enough so they give rides and perform in shows.
Most tourists don’t know about these abuses, or the potential danger they put themselves in.
If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with a wild animal, then the chances are it is cruel and the animal is suffering. Now you know, vote with your feet and don’t go.
Despite what you may see in travel brochures, the reality for elephants at tourist attractions is one of suffering and sadness