Scandal of animal ‘torture’ tour firms
The British tourist industry insists that it values animal welfare highly, yet new research shows it repeatedly promotes ‘attractions’ in Asia that are responsible for horrific abuse of elephants. Campaigners say this is proof that the travel industry can
THERE are so few Asian elephants remaining that they are classified as critically endangered, and yet babies are still being stolen from the wild to perform at so-called tourist attractions.
Often the mothers and other older members of the herd are killed trying to protect the young.
The captured elephants are subjected to “pajan”, a prolonged period of beatings, imprisonment in tiny cages and near starvation designed to break their spirit and make them submissive to the commands of mahouts or handlers.
About half die in the process while the rest spend their lives giving rides for tourists, performing unnatural tricks in circus shows, and being gaudily dressed up to take part in parades.
The travel body ABTA claims that its guidelines encourage tour companies to avoid venues where there are “unacceptable practices”.
But campaign group Save The Asian Elephants, STAE, says the guidelines are routinely ignored and it is calling on MPs to back a law banning the sale and marketing of holidays to unethical elephant venues.
A survey carried out this month shows that 79% of the public support a ban.
“The case for new laws to protect Asian elephants is overwhelming and commands huge public support,” says Duncan McNair, chief executive of STAE.
It has just published research revealing the numerous British tour firms that are promoting unethical sites, including the seven that it names as the worst offenders.
1 & 2: Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary and Guruvayur Elephant Camp, India.
Duncan’s verdict: “Elephants are chained often in unnatural positions by their front and back legs for years without being moved, and left in their own mess and rotting filthy food.
“I have seen elephants with back legs smashed by iron bars to reduce mobility, and terrible foot infections.
“Both I and the Indian animal welfare professor with me broke down as we left.
“He said the best solution for 80% of the elephants he saw was immediate euthanasia.”
3: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka.
Duncan’s verdict: “As so often, the glossy promotional photos belie the truth. There are numerous eyewitness reports of bullhooks being frequently used and elephants chained by front and back legs in water while being bathed by tourists.”
4: Pattaya Elephant Village, Thailand.
Duncan’s verdict: “Their own social media shows elephant riding, basketball, tricks, and rows of elephants made to sit and pose in unison surrounded by tourists.
“The elephants would never do this without being stabbed, beaten and traumatized after the breaking of their spirits.”
5. Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Thailand.
Duncan’s verdict: “Utter hell on Earth – every breed of animal here is abused for entertainment.
“The elephants are forced by bullhooks to perform in shows twirling hoops with their trunks and standing on their back legs on small stools.”
6. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, India.
Duncan’s verdict: “A filthy, brutal and ruthless place, with baby elephants placed in the crushing cage to receive pajan. Many have been filmed swaying and bobbing in psychological distress.” 7. Chitwan National Park, Nepal.
Duncan’s verdict: “The park encourages elephant rides, and the same elephants are used in the annual festival where they are forced to take part in polo, football, racing and bathing.
“Abundant footage has been collected by STAE showing elephants being beaten and stabbed with bullhooks and knives.”
The Mirror has approached all these venues for comment, none replied.
Elephants wouldn’t do tricks without being stabbed and beaten