Most of the time, when tourists are thinking of visiting Thailand, the image of the magnificent elephants pops into their minds. In the past, it used to be that the most famous and recommended “must-do” activities were the elephant rides, which were popular not only in Krabi but in the whole country, as well.
The idea of one of those amazing animals carrying you through the deep jungle or riding along the river so you can see the unspoiled nature would have been very attractive to discorting tourists. While the awareness of animal welfare issues has been disseminating more and more, the half-truths of the ride elephant industry have come out, which is not as lovely as it might seem.
We at Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary do it differently. We are the ones who would definitely say “No” to the elephant rides. The sanctuary is rather for social and close contact, which is allowed only if the visitors keep the utmost respect for the inhabitants of the elephant world. It is an approach that not just safeguards elephant welfare, but also provides the guests with a deeper and more lasting experience. The reasons why elephant rides are no longer the subject of responsible tourism, and the alternatives that you may have in mind, let’s see.
One of the things that people don’t understand before coming is that elephants are not designed to carry heavy loads on their backs, as nature has made them. In contrast to horses or camels, the back of an elephant is not constructed for riding.
The Hidden Cost Of Ride Elephant Experiences
One thing that many people get wrong before they go is the thought that carrying a person makes elephants physically hurt. In reality, people are very small and weak compared to elephants, so their weight doesn’t matter much to them. It’s not the act of riding elephants that’s wrong; it’s the cruel ways they are often kept in check for tourists. And just like with horses or camels, riding shouldn’t be seen as usual. No animal is meant to be ridden or loves it. It has nothing to do with physical skill. It has to do with respect and treating animals fairly.
Besides the strain on their bodies, the elephants that are used to give rides have to endure severe training. They are weaned from their mothers, tied up, and taught by punishment only to become so helpless as to be able to carry people on them. These malpractices not only take away the natural existence of elephants but also cause them to have scars that will be with them—both physically and emotionally—for a lifetime.
When you are on an elephant ride and it may seem that the animal is very calm, most of the time, a background of suffering is hidden behind that quiet nature. This is why our sanctuary and others like it have chosen not to ride elephants and instead treat them with respect and care in a different way.
Why Ethical Sanctuaries Have Changed
Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary is a place where the most important thing is that elephants are not used for the benefit of humans and are given the chance to live in a peaceful way.
We, however, are committed to giving elephants a comfortable environment where they can display their natural behaviours. For instance, our elephants do not lack for fresh fruits to eat, have no shortage of places to walk, and can take a nice bath at any time—all activities are the beautiful life that the elephants lead. The audience is getting these experiences right on the spot, though, at least, they are animals that can only acclimatise and even flourish under such treatment.
By saying no to rides, we are also sending a message to the wider tourism industry: elephant welfare comes first. Every traveller who chooses an ethical sanctuary contributes to ending harmful practices and creating a better future for these gentle giants.
Humane Alternatives: How Visitors Can Connect With Elephants
It does not mean that your experience will be less if elephant rides are not available. Actually, most of the guests say that the alternatives we offer are much more rewarding. So, you can expect the following:
1. Feeding Elephants Responsibly
Feeding the elephants is considered one of the most engaging activities. The guests can prepare baskets of bananas, sugarcane, or other fruits and feed them directly to the animals. The moment when an elephant extends its trunk and gently takes food from your hand is one that will stay with you forever. Feeding time also gives the opportunity to learn about their diet and the specific food preferences of each elephant.
2. Walking Alongside Elephants
Walk rather than climb on their backs and experience the sanctuary like never before. You can slow down and watch as they move around their environment naturally, see how they interact with each other, and really feel their presence. Walking alongside them is a bonding experience that does not inflict harm or exploitation in any way.
3. Observing Playful Behaviours
Elephants are fond of water play, wallowing in the mud, and touching each other’s lives in some way. You will often see them in these moments of ecstatic joy at humane sanctuaries. Watching them interact, yet being free from the tourist rides, is a very heartwarming sight that shows how much better their lives are when they are not going through the rides.
4. Learning Through Education
Another crucial element of the Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary visit is the education part. Our guides tell the story of each elephant, how they were rescued, and what the daily care includes. Learning about their journey makes visitors understand why stopping elephant ride experiences is very important.
How Ethical Choices Create A Bigger Impact
By deciding not to partake in the ride, elephants are not only protecting the elephants that are in front of you, but it is also positively affecting the tourism industry. When visitors insist on taking only ethical tours, the number of tour operators who will quit the harmful practices and turn to sustainable and welfare-focused business models increases.
A fork, which supports food, medical care, and habitat improvements for the elephants, is every ticket bought for an ethical elephant tour. Thus, by choosing sanctuaries like Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary, you are the one who is directly contributing to the conservation of the elephants. It’s a small action with a large impact.
The Joy Of Seeing Elephants As They Are
Sometimes it is very touching to see the elephants in their natural environment and just be elephants. When they are not loaded with saddles or forced into long hours of work, their character traits become clear. Some are playful, some are shy, and others are ridiculously curious.
Seeing the elephants break free from the stereotypical, theatrical, and laborious lifestyle is the pinnacle of the trip for guests and is often mentioned among the highlights of their visit. This is also a way to understand that these animals are not to be used for our fun, but instead, we are fortunate to be visitors in their world. Refusing to ride allows them to live in authenticity, and this makes the experience even more wonderful for visitors.
Looking Toward A Better Future
The anti-ride elephant movement in Krabi and other areas is just a reflection of the global animal welfare awareness that has been growing over time. The animal-loving communities are proving that tourism can be both pleasurable and ethical through the respect for animals while still offering them a great time.
We think the demand for elephant rides and the belief that more people will continue to descend if the truth about the rides is exposed. With help from visitors, animal sanctuaries will be able to carry on the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of the elephants with a focus on their welfare.
From Rides To Respect: Your Role In Ethical Tourism
Our choice to reject elephant ride experiences at Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary is fundamental compassion and respect. We think that elephants are the best source of life in the world and they should be provided the same way with the least amount of freedom, without any kind of exploitation, in an atmosphere that is lovingly and dignifiedly led. Those visiting us are not simply watching the animals but becoming part of a movement that fights for the protection of their tomorrow.
Rather than riding you will be feeding the elephant, walking along with it, and watching them in their natural habitat. These experiences allow the visitors to establish a more profound connection with the animals and create unforgettable memories, which is a big step in supporting genuine ethical tourism.
If you want a meaningful and responsible travel experience in Krabi, visit Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary. Instead of giving elephants rides, let’s help them live loving, happy lives.
Reserve your spot now to get a chance to meet Asian elephants!
- Phone: +66 65 390 9925
- Email: [email protected]
- Book directly at aonangelephantsanctuary.com
