Spain Tourist killed: Animal rights activists criticize elephant camps
In response to the death of a Spanish holidaymaker at an elephant camp in Thailand, animal rights activists have sharply criticized the facilities, which are popular with tourists. The animal fatally injured the 22-year-old student on Friday on Koh Yao Yai, an island in the south of the country.
07.01.2025, 10:10
SDA
The tragic incident is "a stark reminder of the cruelty and danger associated with wild animal captivity", explained the animal rights organization Peta.
"Elephants are highly intelligent, sensitive creatures that suffer tremendously in unnatural environments where they are forced to interact with humans, often resulting in unpredictable and dangerous behavior," said Jason Baker, vice president of international campaigns at Peta Asia.
The elephant reportedly hit the tourist with its trunk. The accident happened in front of her boyfriend and other tourists as the woman was taking a bath with the elephant - one of the highlights of visiting such centers.
Camps are an important source of income
Several thousand domesticated elephants live together with their mahouts (elephant handlers) in Thailand.
In recent years, the much-criticized exploitation of the animals for tourist riding tours has decreased considerably - but countless elephant camps, most of which are advertised as sanctuaries for rescued animals, offer supposedly animal-friendly encounters with Thailand's national animal.
The facilities are a major source of income for tourists. After all, up-close contact with the pachyderms is at the top of the wish list for many travelers to Thailand - and they are willing to pay for it. Half-day tours usually cost the equivalent of at least 60 euros.
In return, visitors are allowed to feed the animals, walk through the camp with them and often take a mud bath together in rivers or ponds. However, there are big differences: While some centers pay attention to animal welfare, others are mainly concerned with money.
The message to the public is to stay away from all facilities where direct contact with elephants is possible, emphasized Baker.
"Genuine sanctuaries only offer observation tours and keep visitors at a reasonable distance from the elephants so as not to disturb the animals - or put visitors in danger."
