Blog: Government must deliver for elephants abused for tourists

BIAZA’s Andy Hall writes this World Elephant Day about the need for Governments to work together for the sake of elephants… 

Let's start with some simple facts. There are far too many elephants abused and inhumanely kept for the sake of money across many nations of the world. But Governments can act to do something about it.  
 
It can be hard to understand why anyone would mistreat the magnificent elephants in their care. And yet any holiday maker to places such as Thailand will have seen advertisements for elephant experiences. And it can be difficult to tell apart which ones are ethical, and which experiences are inhumane.  
 
In the UK, we are thankfully free from advertising elephant rides or such cruel experiences. In fact, we are proud that BIAZA zoos and safari parks adhere to the highest standards for elephant care in the whole world.  
 
Nang Phaya, the gorgeous elephant calf born last year at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, enjoys her days playing with her doting herd of aunties and her mother. And yet, like so many elephants, Nang Phaya could have been born into terrible conditions providing rides for tourists on the other side of the world. 

But the UK Government can do something about it. The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill promised to end the advertisement of low-welfare tourist activities, and much of the debate around the Bill has highlighted the dire need to address low-welfare conditions for elephants. We must ensure the Bill is successful in driving-out elephant abuse.  

This is why BIAZA is calling for an elephant-tourism council, made up of elephant and tourism experts to ensure the public are getting the best information possible and are empowered to make choices that support high elephant welfare.  

This is also why we have launched a new campaign this World Elephant Day. We are asking YOU to write to your MP to support the creation of an elephant tourism council. 

We have been consistently campaigning to improve the lives of elephants. Over a decade ago, BIAZA established the Elephant Welfare Group to improve the lives of elephants in this country. In recent years we have brought together zoos, conservationists and researchers to write letters to Prime Ministers and politicians to support elephant conservation. Our work has also brought the incredible conservation work of elephants to politicians up and down the country. And, just earlier this year we encouraged MPs to support Henry Smith MP’s letter to Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi to protect the elephants in India. 

Now, we need your help. Please write to your MP and help us build a better world for elephants. 

By Andy Hall, BIAZA 

Click here to join BIAZA’s campaign and write to your MP 

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not a reflection of BIAZA's positions.