The Do’s and Don’ts of Ethical Elephant Tourism in Asia
Fun Facts About Asian Elephants
There are three species of elephants: African forest elephants, African savanna elephants, and Asian elephants. An easy way to tell them apart is by looking at their ears. African elephants have noticeably larger ears, shaped much like the African continent, while the ears of their Asian relatives are much smaller and rounded.
Beyond their physical traits, elephants are known for their strong social bonds, usually living in tight-knit matriarchal societies where females lead the herd. The saying, “an elephant never forgets” holds true – these animals possess a remarkable ability to remember vital information thanks to their brain’s large memory center. Whether it’s the location of water and food sources, faces and calls of herd members, or traditional migration routes, elephants can recall details many years later.
Elephants are more than impressive animals – they are essential to the ecosystems they inhabit. They are constantly eating, clearing areas of vegetation for other animals to pass through. Even their dung benefits the environment by dispersing seeds and promoting plant growth in new areas.
How Many Asian Elephants Are Left?
Although all elephant species are endangered, the Asian elephant is the most at risk. Only about 50,000 Asian elephants are left in the wild, and populations are steadily decreasing each year. Meanwhile, many others are in captivity.
Why Are Asian Elephants Endangered?
The decline in Asian elephant populations is primarily driven by human expansion and habitat loss. With less natural habitat to roam, elephants increasingly navigate areas shared with people and are more likely to enter farmland, damaging crops and livelihoods. Main factors pushing Asian elephants closer to extinction include:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation - 95% habitat loss
Human-Elephant Conflict - e.g., crop destruction
Poaching and Capture of Wild Elephants - e.g., products, logging and tourism
How We Support Asian Elephant Conservation as Visitors?
Tourism can influence the future of Asian elephants – either aiding their survival or worsening the threats they face – depending on how it occurs. From generating funding for habitat conservation and rehabilitation efforts to reducing human-wildlife conflict and creating sustainable local livelihoods, responsible tourism can be a powerful tool for safeguarding these endangered animals.
Before participating in any form of elephant tourism, it is essential to do your research to ensure your visit helps rather than harms wild or captive elephants. Just like you're reading this article, every time you talk about or share your views, you're creating an impact. Of course, your visits have the power to drive even greater change:
Funding Habitat Protection and Restoration
Incentivising Community Conservation Through Economic Benefits
Creating Alternative Livelihoods to Ecosystem Destruction
Advancing Scientific Research to Inform Conservation Efforts
Preparing Elephants for Reintroduction to the Wild
Providing Lifetime Care for Sick or Non-Releasable Animals
Implementing Eco-Friendly Building and Design Principles
Is it Okay? Please Think Twice!
From elephant bathing and riding to sanctuaries and safaris, there are many elephant tourism experiences, but not all are created equal. Travellers should research before booking to understand which activities to avoid and the practices of different operators and facilities. Sometimes it's not simply about right or wrong; situations are often complex and ever-changing. Constantly questioning and seeking clarity leads to better choices. Here are some common tour activities involving Asian elephants:
Elephant Riding, Bathing, Shows, and Other Interactive Experiences
Avoiding elephant shows and direct interaction is the best way to celebrate elephants’ cultural significance without unintentionally perpetuating the “crush” training method.
Elephant Art and Products
Some elephant tourism experiences involve elephants in creating art, products, or handicrafts, which can raise important ethical considerations.
Elephant Watching
Ethical concerns with captive elephant observation include inadequate habitat size, overfeeding, and unnecessary chain use. While fewer concerns are associated with viewing wild elephants, risk still exists where activities are not carefully operated.
Elephant Voluntourism
A good voluntourism experience supports local employees rather than taking their jobs. At ethical elephant venues, only trained staff and veterinarians touch elephants, and visitors are only allowed to engage in activities for which they are qualified.
🐘 Read more about Do’s and Don’ts
By supporting ethical experiences, travellers and tourism companies can promote better practices, sustain local livelihoods, contribute to conservation efforts, and ensure that elephants unable to return to the wild receive the care they need. Together, we can ensure tourism protects, rather than harms, the animals and environments we treasure.