Responsible Elephant Tourism in Thailand in 2023

Responsible Elephant Tourism

Creating Travel Karma!

“When I go to Thailand, I can’t wait to ride an Elephant!”

I remember having these thoughts myself and have heard them echoed by so many other people planning their vacations since. Of course! Why wouldn’t you want to sit atop such a majestic beast? It would be just like riding a horse – except bigger, and WAY cooler, right?

The Reality

With so many amazing stories and photos that come back from friends and family, my own included, it’s very easy to only see the industry for face value. Something pretty special and very foreign to that of our own culture.

It wasn’t until moving to Thailand and spending a fair amount of time there that I actually started to learn more about the elephants and what they must endure to be ready for us to ride them, and essentially work for us. What I discovered was not the happy picture I had envisioned in my own mind, nor did it reflect all the fun photos and stories my friends and family had returned with.

I’d like you to take only 2 minutes of your day to watch a quick video which outlines, quite accurately, how elephants get to the point of being able to ride them, do hard labour (such as logging), and make paintings. This story is sadly more common than you might ever expect. This happens to elephants all over Asia, and in circuses around the world.

Sometimes ignorance is blissful, and it certainly was for me. What I’m offering you is ‘The Matrix‘ decision. For those that haven’t seen the movie, all this quote refers to is that once you know the truth, there’s no turning back. Watch the video if you’d like to know more about an industry which wears a heavy veil to shield its actions, in the name of ‘creating a perfect holiday’.

This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember, all I’m offering is the truth – nothing more. -Morpheus

A Few Possible Solutions

If you have made it this far, I apologize for the graphic nature of the video. It appears you were one of the growing numbers of people concerned with their actions while on vacation. If you couldn’t get through the video, I don’t blame you. Either way, the fact that you are still here, I thank you. I feel that sharing knowledge is already 50% of a solution, which is a pretty good start! The other half is then using your newly found information and acting on it.

Many of us only act out on things which may be harmful to others, the environment, or any of its creatures simply because of a lack of education, or knowledge on a subject. I believe in people, and our desire to live in a better world – not only for ourselves, and our loved ones, but for everyone we share the world with. Had I known what I know now, of course, I would never have even considered riding an elephant when I first arrived in Thailand.

A very easy (and free) solution to help, is to simply wipe any elephant rides from your future travel plans! Many companies will certainly promote themselves as non-abusive (though who would ever do the opposite?), however, it’s sadly almost impossible to be the case where mass tourism is involved.

Another solution is to try and see some wild elephants in one of the many national parks in which they still live! A favourite of mine is Khao Yai National Park, only a few hours north of Bangkok.

There are other ways to help too, if you want to really make a dent in this universe!

Share your newly found information with your friends and family… or anyone for that matter, if you hear of their plans on riding elephants abroad.

In addition to sharing what we’ve learned, I wanted to share an opportunity for us to give something back to a cause that first helped open my own eyes to what has been happening with the Elephants in Thailand. Just outside the city of Chiang Mai, there’s a place where elephants can live out their final days free from any of the abuse they may have faced in their captive lives. This foundation is called the Save Elephant Foundation and rescues old, worn-out elephants who have lived a life of servitude. They are fed, washed, and able to wander free of leg-binding shackles amongst other rescued elephants in a massive outdoor environment. For many of them, you can witness a sort of elephant group therapy that arises as a newly rescued elephant is brought to be welcomed as part of their growing herd.

Guests are welcome to come to visit the park, with their donations and entry fees going entirely back into the foundation to help rescue more elephants and continue to expand their nature grounds.

Is it ethical to visit an elephant sanctuary?

In ethical elephant sanctuaries, elephants are empowered with the freedom to make choices, an opportunity that is absent in zoos, circuses, or public display facilities. They have the autonomy to decide whether to explore fields or forests, select their companions, and determine their level of engagement with humans.

JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off-the-beaten-path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Click on this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

Learn more about traveling responsibly with my Responsible Travel Tips.

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