We recently came across the tragic news of the 18-year-old elephant, Kanakota who passed away due to exhaustion of ferrying tourists in Sri Lanka. The utter stress and exhaustion on elephants being used as a way of commute is truly saddening. In fact the largest temple in the world, Angkor Wat, too had earlier been in the news for the same. In 2016, a female elephant passed away due to exhaustion of carrying tourists around the temple complex. And after constant protests from environmentalists, there is finally some hope around the corner for Cambodian elephants. Elephant rides will soon be banned at the Angkor Temple Park in Cambodia from next year onwards.
What’s In It?
An official stated that Cambodia will ban all elephant rides at the country’s famous Angkor Temple Park by early next year. This is truly a rare win for conservationists and for animal lovers who have condemned this practice for a long time. The Angkor archaeological complex located in northern Siem Reap attracted around 6 million tourists in 2018. And most of them opt for elephant rides around the ancient temple. The spokesman with Apsara Authority, Long Kosal,(which manages the park) stated that these rides will end by 2020. He further added that using elephants for business is no longer appropriate since some elephants are already old.
Also Read: Elephant Dies Of Exhaustion In Sri Lanka After Carrying Passengers
14 working elephants have already been taken to the community forest around 40 km away from the temples. The elephants will finally get to live out their natural lives. Kosal further added that the company that owns the elephants will take care of them fro hereon. Well, Cambodia might have taken baby steps to give some respite to its elephants. But what about countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Laos? These elephants have been broken, beaten and abused due to overworking by the handlers at the training groups. Check Out Zimbabwe To Sell Their Elephants While Botswana To Kill Their Elephants To Curb Elephant Population
What Do We Think?
Well, we hope that this step taken by Cambodia will set an example for other countries, who follow similar practices. Yes, even if it’s our own country India. For now, as fellow human beings, let’s at least take a vow that whether we are domestic or international tourists in a country, let’s avoid going on elephant rides. It’s easy to like, share and comment on such articles regarding elephant commute. But it’s nobler to stop commuting on animals, be it whatever the reason. Come on, we’re citizens of a country that celebrates the elephant-headed God, Ganesha. The huge Ganesh Chaturthi pandals, pujas and celebrations with your family and friends, mean nothing if you don’t treat the elephant with respect. So here’s to new beginnings, a smaller step to a larger cause. Check Out Bathe, Feed & Play With Elephants At Dubara Elephant Camp In Coorg