Tourist (†22) impaled with tusk: PETA criticizes elephant camps
By Carola Frentzen
Bangkok (Thailand) - In response to the death of a Spanish holidaymaker at an elephant camp in Thailand, animal rights activists are sharply criticizing the facilities 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.
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.
Elephant camps are an important source of income
Several thousand domesticated elephants live together with their mahouts (elephant handlers) in Thailand. The countless elephant camps, which are mostly advertised as sanctuaries for rescued animals, are a major source of income for tourists.
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 around the camp with them and often take a dip together in rivers or ponds.
"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," emphasized Baker.