Elephants forced into the tourism industry endure unimaginable hardship. Many spend their lives carrying tourists through jungles, towns, and beaches in Southeast Asia, often without rest or medical care. Their bodies are not designed to support heavy loads. Yet, as young elephants, they’re subjected to brutal “training” known as phajaan, or “crushing,” where they’re isolated, beaten, and starved to break their spirit, making them submissive to human handlers¹.

The Long-Term Damage is Irreversible

The long-term effects are devastating. Pai Lin, a 71-year-old elephant in Thailand, is a heartbreaking example. After 25 years of carrying tourists, her spine is permanently deformed from the heavy loads she endured². Elephants like Pai Lin bear visible scars from their exploitation, while many others suffer silently, isolated and restrained by short chains in holding areas when they’re not working. Deprived of natural social interactions and unable to roam freely, these elephants exhibit signs of deep psychological distress, such as head-bobbing and swaying³.

A Law Waiting to be Enforced

While some travel companies have stopped promoting elephant rides, advertisements for these harmful attractions are still rampant in the UK. Recent data shows that over 1,200 companies marketed elephant rides to UK tourists in 2024 alone⁴. The UK government passed the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act to ban the advertisement of harmful animal attractions, including elephant rides, but enforcement delays have prevented this law from taking effect. Despite the legislation, elephants continue to be exploited daily for entertainment, fueling a cycle of cruelty sustained by tourist demand⁵.

Why We Must Act Now

The UK has long been a leader in animal welfare, and now we have an opportunity to set a powerful example worldwide. By listing elephant riding as a harmful attraction under the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, the UK can deter tourists from unknowingly supporting cruel practices, educate travelers on ethical alternatives, and shift demand toward compassionate tourism.

Make Compassionate Choices a Reality

This change is overdue, and these elephants cannot wait. When tourists choose experiences that don’t exploit animals, they send a message that cruelty is unacceptable. Sanctuaries that allow elephants to roam freely, interact naturally, and live without fear are already welcoming visitors who want to observe these animals ethically. These alternatives give elephants a life of dignity, and they show us how we can appreciate wildlife without causing harm.

Sign the Petition to Stop the Cruelty

Join us in urging the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare to take action. Elephants deserve respect and care, not chains and suffering. Together, we can help ensure a future where these intelligent, social creatures are protected, not exploited.

Sign the petition today and be a voice for the voiceless.

More on this issue:

1. Heather Chen, CNN (10 March 2023), "This is what years of tourist rides do to an elephant."
2. Helena Horton, The Telegraph (23 September 2019), "Elephant riding on holiday should be banned, British travel companies told."
3. Animals Asia, (1 March 2019), "The truth about elephant riding."
4. James Tapper, The Guardian (20 October 2024), "Adverts for ‘cruel’ elephant rides still rising despite new UK law, says charity."
5. UK Government (19 September 2023), "Legislation to clamp down on cruel animal experiences abroad."