Perhaps one can blame televisions or that one tourist destination who says it's alright for visitors to ride elephants. In reality, there's nothing worth more ignorant than a person wanting to ride the gentle animals that end up getting a good beat when the day ends.
Last year, we've heard the news that a British man was trampled by an elephant over a violent rage in Thailand, and the next thing we knew, another one happened in India. While most elephants stay behind their keeps in zoos in western countries, many still forced the animals over a performance or two in front of the audience.
More than ever, the travel industry needs to review such barbaric acts by man. In the US, the Department of Agriculture has warned circus performances like Cole Bros. Circus and the Ringling Bros.
Animals in recreational parks have been confined and are trained beyond their capabilities. Animal "caretakers" have whipped, beaten or poked them with sharp objects.
How can tourists help?
The tourists can have the better option to visit animal sanctuaries where the elephants are taken care of and are free of activities that entertain the visitors. Here, both the animals and people interact together in a safe and peaceful way.
Guests can go to and help the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center in India to knit or donate a warm sweater for the winter season. One can also go there to learn more about elephants. The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand also provides the education to the public as they continue their mission is "to protect and care for mistreated elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries."
African countries have that "eco-tourism" destination for visits, but some elephants have been forced to work like carrying tourists on their backs. Visit wildlife sanctuaries that only allows travelers to sight-see elephants in their habitat.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
