“Major companies, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, Airbnb, Expedia, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com, have stopped selling experiences that exploit elephants.”
An increasing number of travel companies are taking steps to eliminate unethical interactions with elephants, marking a significant shift in the tourism industry. Recently, Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise line, announced it would stop offering excursions that involve direct contact with elephants, such as riding, bathing, and feeding. This move reflects a broader trend, with Over 100 Companies, including major travel brands, removing these exploitative activities from their itineraries. These changes are crucial, as such activities contribute to the demand for captive elephants, whose welfare is often compromised by cruel training methods. Ethical travel companies are now focusing on working with operators who prioritize the well-being of the elephants, helping to phase out the exploitation of these majestic animals.
Despite these positive steps, some travel platforms, such as Tripadvisor, continue to list elephant related activities, though they have begun to include disclaimers about the lack of animal welfare standards. The practice of using elephants in tourism often involves abusive techniques, such as the infamous "crush" method, where young elephants are beaten into submission.
These practices leave the animals physically and emotionally scarred, with many suffering from conditions like post traumatic stress. Even seemingly harmless activities, like hand feeding and bathing, can have detrimental effects on elephant health and behavior. Feeding elephants unnatural foods can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders, while forcing them into bathing routines can cause stress and disrupt their natural behaviors.
Tourists have a crucial role in supporting ethical animal tourism by avoiding attractions that offer direct contact with elephants. Ethical sanctuaries, which prioritize animal welfare, offer opportunities for observation rather than participation, allowing visitors to watch elephants in a natural environment without causing harm. Reputable sanctuaries are transparent about their practices, ensuring that elephants are not subjected to exploitation for entertainment. By choosing to visit such sanctuaries, travelers can help protect elephants from cruelty and contribute to the preservation of their species in a humane and sustainable way.
*At Whiskers, Paws and Love®, we stand in unwavering support of ethical tourism practices that prioritize the well being of all animals, including elephants. We believe that every action taken to end the exploitation of these majestic creatures helps pave the way for a more compassionate and sustainable world. By choosing to visit true sanctuaries, travelers can contribute to the long term protection and care of elephants, ensuring their safety and dignity are respected. We encourage everyone to be mindful of their choices and join us in supporting organizations that truly champion animal welfare, not just for elephants but for all animals who deserve to live free from harm.
