WAP researchers assessed almost 3,000 elephants and found
that more than three-quarters were living in "severely cruel"
conditions. Many were bound with chains less than 3m long and were forced to
stand on concrete floors close to loud roads, crowds and music.
Some 160 travel companies have already committed to stop
selling tickets to or promoting venues offering elephant rides and shows. In
2016, TripAdvisor announced that it would end the sale of tickets for wildlife
experiences where tourists come into direct contact with wild animals,
including elephant riding.
Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Global Wildlife and veterinary
adviser at World Animal Protection (WAP), said: "The cruel trend of
elephants used for rides and shows is growing - we want tourists to know that
many of these elephants are taken from their mothers as babies, forced to
endure harsh training and suffer poor living conditions throughout their life.
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