Asia is known for a host of animal entertainment experiences. Elephant riding is one that is prolific across southeast Asia. In the past there has been a lack of understanding about how these animals are treated. Over recent years, there has been widespread campaigning to get elephant rides banned across Asia and Cambodia is leading the way in ending this cruel practice.
In June 2019, Aspara, the management authority for Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, announced it would ban elephant rides, according to CNN Travel.
Five months on and the proverbial ball has begun to roll. Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious site in the world, is a popular tourist spot.
Elephant rides have been commonplace in the park, with 14 elephants involved. On 15 November, two elephants were relocated to a nearby community forest called Bos Thom.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Long Kosal, a representative of Apsara said that the plans to relocate the dozen remaining elephants to the same forest will be complete early next year.
‘The elephant is a big animal, but it is also gentle and we don’t want to see the animals being used for tourism activities anymore,’ Kosal said to Khmer Times. ‘We want them to live in their natural surroundings.’
In 2016 an elephant named Sambo dropped dead from a heart attack. She was working in extremely hot weather, ferrying tourists around and her death sparked an international outcry.
Image: Unsplash
