Everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is how you learn from them. That’s why after undertaking research with World Animal Protection, in 2014 we became the first global travel company to ban elephant riding on our tours.
But just because we stopped riding elephants, it doesn’t mean all the issues around elephant welfare are solved. We realise there is plenty more that can be done.
That’s why we are getting behind initiatives that practice ethical elephant tourism in South East Asia – supporting the local people who work with the elephants with training and jobs, educating tourists and of course, caring for the elephants themselves.
How you can help
Through our not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation we are working with MandaLao, the first non-riding elephant sanctuary in Luang Prabang, Laos. MandaLao provides travellers with the opportunity to connect with the elephants who roam freely through lush forest and the Nam Khan river.
We are working to raise funds to build a second elephant night enclosure, with mahout (elephant handler) housing, as well as constructing an elephant food storehouse and leasing more land for the elephants.
Wildlife trips that put elephant welfare first
Seeing elephants up close doesn’t just have to take place in a sanctuary – there also plenty of ways to see these gentle giants responsibly in the wild too.
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