Videos from the Chitwan festival emerged showing elephants with visible cuts, stressed calves, and handlers beating elephants tens of times in succession during the 'games.'
The Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival in Sauraha, Chitwan, has had a devastating set back for elephants by once again hosting stressful activities that leads to abuse and a risk to attendees, despite growing global opposition, negotiations and a formal appeal for reform.
Ahead of the 18th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival, a letter signed by worldwide animal welfare organisations and experts, including World Animal Protection, was sent to the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). The letter urged the department to prohibit the use of elephants in entertainment at the festival and to draft policies that would phase out such exploitative practices.
The signatories highlighted that these activities rely on cruel training methods, including chaining, physical punishment, and separation of calves from their mothers, which expose the animals to harm and perpetuate an outdated approach to tourism.
"Shameful" videos from elephant festival flood social media
Videos from the 18th festival emerged across social media showing elephants with visible cuts, confused and stressed calves, and handlers beating elephants in succession during the games. Attendee footage and promotion of the event has faced fierce commentary on social media.
Seems like money is always the bottom line! NO MORE ELEPHANT events, period! Send these sentient elephants to a SANCTUARY where they DESERVE to live out their lives in peace & tranquility. All they have ever known is CRUELTY!
Tarnishing Nepal’s Tourism Appeal
These events not only harm the elephants but also portray Nepal as a destination indifferent to animal welfare. Tourism experts warn that such practices alienate ethical travelers and undermine the country’s appeal as a sustainable and compassionate travel destination.
Travel Industry Trends
Increasingly global travel companies are ceasing to promote activities involving wild animal entertainment as tourists are opting instead for sanctuaries and natural habitat observations.
By hosting these outdated events, Nepal risks falling behind in the competitive tourism industry and damaging its international image.
Efforts to remove the most contested activities
ARC-Nepal has informed World Animal Protection about recent negotiations regarding festival activities. Quick changes were approved, including the removal of elephant polo and the modification of the elephant football game to a less physically demanding penalty shot activity.
Local groups and international pressure played a significant role in encouraging the festival committee to implement these changes. World Animal Protection extends its gratitude to them and everyone who signed the letter.
However, the ongoing abuse of elephants during this year's event is indisputable.
Ensuring No Repeat of Elephant Abuse in Future Festivals
Ethical tourism practices are crucial to safeguarding the welfare of these endangered animals and ensuring Nepal remains an attractive destination for modern travelers.
World Animal Protection will continue working with local and international groups to push for stronger protections for elephants, aiming to end the use of elephants in cruel tourist activities and ensure the long-term welfare of these endangered animals in Nepal.
