{"id":8694,"date":"2024-01-02T22:09:58","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T12:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weareworldchallenge.com\/?p=8694"},"modified":"2024-01-03T17:11:57","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T07:11:57","slug":"the-truth-about-elephant-riding-and-animal-cruelty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weareworldchallenge.com\/the-truth-about-elephant-riding-and-animal-cruelty\/","title":{"rendered":"The Truth About Elephant Riding and Animal Cruelty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It was once the most normal backpacker experience. You\u2019re on your curriculum travel in Southeast Asia, sitting on top of one of the world\u2019s most majestic creatures, an elephant. You take in your lush surroundings as the giant animal slowly meanders through a thick jungle or along a white sandy beach. Later, there may even be enough time to help wash or feed the elephant \u2013 before you snap a quick selfie with it and go on your merry way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But times have changed. Elephant riding is no longer an acceptable tourist activity<\/a> \u2013 along with many other animal interactions that are geared towards travellers. Not only do these activities incur safety concerns for humans, but they can also result in significant animal harm \u2013 for instance, when an elephant is taught to carry people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So it\u2019s good news that student travel companies are beginning to remove these experiences from their trips. You\u2019ll never find an elephant ride on a World Challenge itinerary. Working with World Animal Protection<\/a>, we ensure our trips are responsible and ethical, and that they do not play a role in perpetuating animal exploitation or cruelty. Whether it’s trekking in the mountains, exploring cultural heritage, or engaging in expedition tours, our focus is on providing meaningful experiences without compromising the welfare of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n