As a human being who has had the opportunity to interact with elephants, I can tell you that riding them is not as harmless as some might claim. Let me explain why.
First and foremost, elephants are not anatomically designed to carry the weight of a human on their backs. Despite their large size, their spines are not built to support the added pressure of a howdah or saddle. In the wild, elephants are able to distribute their weight evenly across their four legs, but the addition of a saddle can cause undue strain and discomfort on their backs.
Furthermore, the process of training elephants for riding can be quite cruel. Many captive elephants used for tourism purposes are subjected to a practice known as “breaking,” where their spirits are essentially crushed through various forms of physical and psychological abuse. This process can involve isolation, confinement, and the use of sharp tools or painful restraints to force the elephants into submission. These cruel methods are used to make the elephants compliant and submissive enough to carry tourists on their backs.
Even if an elephant appears to be docile during a ride, it doesn’t mean they are devoid of pain or suffering. Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals, and the stress and discomfort they experience from carrying people can have long-lasting effects on their physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that the stress hormone levels in captive elephants increase significantly during times when they are used for riding.
Additionally, the repetitive motion of walking in circles or on hard surfaces can lead to foot problems and joint issues for elephants. Their feet are not naturally adapted to carry the weight of a howdah or the impact of walking on unnatural surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Over time, this can result in chronic pain and lameness.
It’s important to note that not all elephant tourism practices involve riding. There are ethical alternatives, such as visiting reputable sanctuaries or conservation centers where elephants are allowed to live in more natural and humane conditions. These places prioritize the well-being and conservation of elephants, rather than exploiting them for entertainment purposes.
While it may be argued that riding elephants does not directly cause immediate harm, it is clear that it can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health in the long run. As responsible tourists, it is crucial that we consider the well-being of these magnificent creatures and choose to support ethical and sustainable practices that do not involve riding them.