Skip the Elephant Encounter
Where there was once ignorance, there's
now an increasing awareness about our
impact on elephants we choose to ride. To
get an elephant to tolerate having a seat
on its back can involve beating the creature
into submission. You should think twice
about supporting elephant sanctuaries,
until you're absolutely sure that animal
welfare is at the heart of what they do
— the use of hooks, for example, is a red
flag. If you're hoping to give an elephant
a bath, make sure that
interaction time is
strictly limited and that
the creature gets plenty
of down time away from
people.
Credit: Oriol Querol/Shutterstock
Check out Animal Health Before Riding
When terrain is steep, it can be tempting
to hop on the back of a horse or mule.
If you do so, make sure that the animals
are well looked after with sufficient water,
shade, food, and rest built into their daily
schedules. Of course, that's particularly
important when temperatures are extreme.
The same goes for carriage ride operators.
Do your homework and if you're not
satisfied with the answers you receive,
choose a walking tour instead.
Credit: Olga Gavrilova/
Shutterstock
