Thai elephant centres criticized after death of tourist

Bangkok [Thailand], January 8: Animal rights activists on Tuesday lashed out at elephant sanctuaries in Thailand after a Spanish holidaymaker was killed while bathing one of the creatures.
The incident is "a stark reminder of the inherent cruelty and danger associated with keeping wild animals in captivity," the rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said after the death on Friday of a 22-year-old student on Koh Yao Yai, an island in the south of the country.
"Elephants are highly intelligent, sensitive beings who suffer immensely in unnatural environments where they are forced to interact with humans, often resulting in unpredictable and dangerous behaviours," the organization posted on X. The elephant reportedly hit the tourist with its trunk during a bathing session - one of the highlights of visiting such centres. Several thousand domesticated elephants live together with their guides in Thailand.
In recent years, the exploitation of the animals for tourist riding tours has decreased considerably. However, numerous elephant camps, which are often advertised as sanctuaries for rescued animals, offer supposedly animal-friendly encounters with Thailand's national animal.
The centres are a major source of tourism income, with up-close contact with the pachyderms topping the wish list for many travellers to Thailand. Half-day tours usually cost the equivalent of at least $62. In return, visitors may feed the animals, walk through the camp with them and often take a mud bath together in rivers or ponds.
While some centres pay attention to animal welfare, others are mainly concerned with profit. Activists urge the public to avoid all facilities where direct contact with elephants is possible and instead attend the observation-only tours offered by genuine sanctuaries.
Source: Qatar Tribune