The Complexities of Elephant Riding: A Balanced Perspective

Asian Captive Elephant Standards CO.,LTD.

299 Sompod Chiang Mai 700 Years Road, Sanphesuar Sub-District, 

Muang District, Chiang Mai Province. THAILAND, 50300

 CHIANG MAI, MARCH 2024] — The Complexities of Elephant Riding

Photo by Walter Lange

Elephant riding is a controversial topic. A quick Google search of ‘elephant riding’ will come up with disturbing photos of a disfigured elephant claiming “this is what years of tourist rides do to an elephant” and attention-grabbing titles, such as The shocking truth about elephant riding in Thailand. There are countless articles, forums, blogs, and media posts condemning the practice citing cruelty and welfare concerns. 

While there is no doubt that in some circumstances elephant riding can cause welfare concerns, as with any activity involving elephants, if not done in a closely managed and controlled way. However, elephant riding in itself is not a black and white issue and it's essential to consider a nuanced perspective that goes beyond emotive claims. In this article we will delve into the complexities of elephant riding to explain that, when properly managed, it is not a cruel or harmful activity. Further, we will explore that the shift away from elephant riding has created unintended consequences that have actively harmed elephants and those working most closely with elephants, the mahouts.

Welfare Myths and Truths: Physical Wellbeing of Elephants

One of the most important - and arguably the most emotive - points in this discussion is elephant welfare. This point goes back nearly a decade where animal rights activists and NGOs made claims of the harmful nature of the activity. One of the arguments is that elephants' spines cannot support the weight of people and can lead to permanent spinal injuries. However, looking at the studies conducted by veterinarians and leading researchers in conservation there is a consensus that does not agree with this assertion. In fact, scientifically speaking looking at the bone structure, joint and feet composition of elephants is a clear indicator that this is simply not true.

Kongsawasdi et al.’s (2021)* study examined the impact of weight on joint kinematics in elephants used for riding. It was found that carrying 15% of body mass of the elephant does not cause significant changes in elephant gait patterns, or in other words carrying two people does not cause elephant physical distress. A common trope is that elephant riding is comparable to humans carrying heavy backpacks, however the weight distribution on an elephant's back is fundamentally different. Elephants, being quadrupeds, distribute weight more stably and balanced than bipedal humans. For instance, if the average US man weighs 90.6 kg (199.7 lb) and a female elephant weighs an average of 3,465 kg (7,700 lb), the weight on the elephant's back is 2.6% of its body weight. Considering recent research finds that an elephant can carry up to 15% of its body weight one or two grown individuals riding an elephant will not cause harm.

Riding Equipment and Training: Saddles, Phajaan, and Positive Reinforcement

In regard to the comfort of elephants proper riding etiquette and equipment is essential. Elephant’s spines are shaped in a peak, whereas in some circumstances riding saddles are flat. This could lead to discomfort, blisters, and infections. To ensure the welfare of elephants during riding activities it is crucial to use properly cushioned saddles that do not apply pressure to the spine or, as done traditionally, riding on the neck of the elephant. As stated in Kongsawasdi et al.’s (2021)* study, further research is needed to test longer durations of riding on different types of terrain to develop appropriate working guidelines for captive elephants. ACES focuses on all the latest research and discussions within the field to ensure our guidelines are in line with the most current available information to ensure welfare of elephants in the camps we audit.

There is a high level of concern regarding how an elephant is trained to be ridden. Firstly, it should be noted that for all elephants under human care and with any elephant activity - be it riding, walking amongst tourists, bathing with tourists - there needs to be training. If concern is held for training regarding riding, then concern should be raised for any and all elephant activities. That is why proper well-managed training and husbandry is essential to elephant welfare no matter the circumstance as there is a high level of danger for tourists and mahouts when in close proximity to and when interacting with elephants.

A lot of information online talks about Phajaan or the ‘crushing’ of the spirit of the elephant, citing that it is a “long-standing accepted tradition in Thai culture” and that this training method “is what elephants undergo to become part of the tourism industry.” This is simply not true and is seen by the majority of mahouts and elephant owners as not only an outdated practice, but one that is completely unnecessary given elephants in the tourism industry are born in captivity. 

Breeding programmes, as seen in camps that have capacity for this, do not have a need for Phajaan or any other cruel training methods as elephants born in captivity have human/elephant interaction from the moment they are born. The more widely accepted training technique being used as standard practice is positive reinforcement and food. Young elephants learn to trust and bond with humans and relationships form and grow with their mahout and the herd. 

Benefits of Elephant Riding: Socialization, Stimulation, and Exercise

Are there any benefits to elephant riding? Surprisingly, yes. And has the shift away from riding caused any unintended consequences that have actively harmed the welfare of elephants? The unfortunate answer is also, yes.

The push to stop riding activities has led towards the popularization of elephant feeding, primarily involving bananas, as its replacement. However, this seemingly kind and harmless activity has had adverse effects - elephants staying in one place, being fed a high-sugar, high-carb diet, leading to weight gain, increased stress and agitation. Aspects of this are explored in Bansiddhi et al.’s (2019)** study which examined the relationship of management factors and stress hormones in tourist camp elephants in Thailand. The results suggest that providing opportunities to exercise may be good for elephants under human care, as the majority of elephants under study had body condition scores indicative of being overweight or obese, and that a no riding, no hook policy does not necessarily guarantee good welfare. In fact, in a related study by Norkaew et al. (2018)*** it was found that exercise in the form of riding was associated with lower stress hormones and healthier metabolic profiles. 

Elephant riding provides socialization, stimulation, and exercise. In captivity, where elephants may not have the same need to walk long distances to acquire food and water, daily exercise becomes paramount. Regular physical activity is essential for skeletal, digestive, foot, and joint health, and it also serves as a form of enrichment, reducing boredom and aggression, ultimately improving the overall welfare of captive elephants. 

The Mahout's Role: Benefiting Elephant Welfare Through Human Welfare

Traditionally, mahouts held respected and well-compensated positions in society, reflecting the specialized skills, experience, and physical strength required to work closely with elephants who are large, intelligent, and potentially dangerous animals. However, since the shift from elephants used in the logging industry to the tourism industry, there has been a decline in mahouts’ status and income. The proliferation of tourist attractions has driven down prices, forcing mahouts into precarious economic situations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic where lack of tourism due to travel restrictions caused reduced wages.

An often overlooked aspect of elephant riding is the opportunity it provides for mahouts to share valuable insights about their profession with riders. Through engaging with riders, mahouts not only impart knowledge but also have the chance to earn extra income through tips. This financial incentive helps retain experienced and skilled mahouts, ensuring the best possible care for the elephants.

Conclusions: Is elephant riding misunderstood?

We hope this article has provided a new perspective for readers, or at the least provided information that is useful when deciding on which activities to engage in when visiting elephants. While concerns about the welfare of elephants during riding activities are valid, it's important to acknowledge that well-managed practices can provide benefits for both the elephants and their caretakers, the mahouts. Ultimately, those who are against riding and those who see the benefits of riding want the same outcome: what is best for the elephants to ensure they are happy, healthy, and well-taken care of when working in the tourism industry. Responsible elephant riding, coupled with proper care, exercise, and informative interactions, contributes to their overall well-being. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including camp operators, mahouts, and tourists, to prioritize ethical and humane practices to ensure a positive and sustainable future for elephant riding.

* Kongsawasdi, S.; Brown, J.L.; Boonprasert, K.; Pongsopawijit, P.; Wantanajittikul, K.; Khammesri, S.; Tajarernmuang, T.; Thonglorm, N.; Kanta-In, R.; Thitaram, C. (2021) Impact of Weight Carriage on Joint Kinematics in Asian Elephants Used for Riding. Animals 1 (2423). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082423

** Bansiddhi P, Brown JL, Khonmee J, Norkaew T, Nganvongpanit K, Punyapornwithaya V, et al. (2019) Management factors affecting adrenal glucocorticoid activity of tourist camp elephants in Thailand and implications for elephant welfare. PLoS ONE 14(10): e0221537. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0221537

*** Norkaew T, Brown JL, Bansiddhi P, Somgird C, Thitaram C, Punyapornwithaya V, et al. Body condition and adrenal glucocorticoid activity affects metabolic marker and lipid profiles in captive female elephants in Thailand. (2018) PLoS One 13(10):e0204965. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204965 PMID: 30278087

Elephant Riding: The Facts by Belynda Zolotto

The Asian Elephant is a critically endangered species, facing a very high risk of extinction. For the Thai Asian Elephant, the primary cause of this is habitat loss. The forests and grasslands needed to support a population of elephants have been disseminated by human activity and simply no longer exist. Domesticated elephants are the answer to creating a sustainable future for Thai elephants but providing a supportive environment for elephants in an elephant village or camp/centre requires money. For the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, like other such dedicated, protective centres, tourism is an important source of income. Providing an ethical and humane riding experience for visitors is critical if their programs are to be continued in the long term.

Recently claims have been circulating on the internet and media, maintaining that this practice is damaging for the elephants, even cruel. The Royal Elephant Kraal Village (the Kraal) strongly disputes this assertion and this article sets out some of the facts, and the myths, to demonstrate that elephants are well able to easily carry the weight of humans on their backs. The Kraal has gone to great lengths to ensure that the elephants in its care are well-treated, that their participation in the riding program is beneficial, and that the equipment used for rides is well designed and comfortable for the elephant.

The emotive claims against the practice liken the experience of carrying people on the elephant’s back to a human carrying a 50 lb backpack for nine hours a day and purport that it will lead to permanent spinal injuries. Instead of making exaggerated comparisons between the human experience and that of animal’s in order to appeal to people’s emotions, always a risky exercise, let’s look at the facts.

The article referenced above states that an elephant giving rides is equivalent to a human carrying around 50 lb for 9 hours a day. In this instance, the ratio of weight of the backpack being carried to an average human body weight of 165 lb would be 30.3%.

Note that, to the elephant’s advantage, this is not an equal comparison, as humans are bipedal and elephants are quadrupeds, making the dispersion of the extra weight more stable and balanced for the elephant.

So, if the weight of a human is 165 lb and the weight of a male elephant is 11032 lb, then the weight of the human on top of the elephant would be equal to 1.5% of the elephant’s body weight. The elephant is actually only carrying what would be for a human the equivalent of 0.76 lb on his back, a lot less than the 50 lb backpack. With regard to the weight of a female elephant, averaging 5953 lb, the human weight of 165 lb would be equal to 2.8% of the female elephant’s weight. The elephant is actually only carrying what would be for a human the equivalent of 5 lb on her back. Hardly strenuous considering that the average weight of a woman’s handbag is between 10 and 22 lb!

An elephant can carry up to 25% of its body weight without causing any discomfort or pressure to its body or spine.

Instead of unverified assertions, let’s look at the facts regarding the weight that an elephant at Elephantstay and the weight that an elephant at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace/Wang Chang (the Royal Elephant Kraal’s tourist centre) carries as a comparison of its body weight. Table 1.1 below sets out the weight of the elephants at Elephantstay, the average weight of the mahout, and the average weight of Elephantstay participants and shows the weight percentage to the elephant’s body weight.

However, at Wang Chang, in addition to the mahout and the tourist(s), the elephant is also carrying a yang (chair/howdah) and blankets/padding. Table 1.2 below provides the combined weight of the following: a yang, blankets/padding, mahout, and two male tourists (allowing a few extra kilograms to the average weight of humans).

Table 1.2: Weights associated with giving rides at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace (Wang Chang)

Yang Blankets/padding Mahout Tourist x 1 Tourist x 2 Total 44 lb 44 lb 143 lb 198 lb 198 lb 627 lb

Now, let’s look at Rumruay, as one of the lightest elephants in weight at the Kraal, as an example. Her weight equals 4588 lb and 25% of her body weight is 1147 lb. The 527 lb combined weight that she would be carrying during a typical ride is considerably less than the 25% of her body weight that she is capable of carrying without discomfort or pressure on her body and/or spine.

Table 1.3 below makes the same comparison for the other elephants at the Kraal showing that they carry a fraction of the amount that they are physically capable of carrying.

As well as providing an exciting experience for the human passengers, the elephants benefit from the practice of elephant rides. Riding provides socialisation, stimulation, and exercise. The Kraal’s pregnant elephants give rides and have produced 58 successful births which is also a testament to the benefits of riding. Wang Chang has been designed as a model for how to provide ethical elephant tourist rides. Elephants at the centre are not giving rides all day but sporadically throughout the working day. The elephants that give rides work on a rotational basis which ensures that they can rest in between each ride. Rides are between 10 to 30 minutes in duration and on flat ground with running water available along the walk for the elephants to refresh themselves. They are provided with shelter, food and water for drinking and showering throughout the day. Misters are used in the elephant rest area, to create a cool and comfortable environment. All elephants are given rostered days off from working at Wang Chang providing rides.

The Kraal’s yangs have been specifically designed to be as light as possible for the elephants. The thickness of the blankets/padding provides a cushion to ensure that the yang is not rubbing directly on the elephant’s skin or causing friction and irritation to the elephant. The yang’s frame sits on either side of the elephant’s back to ensure there is no direct pressure on the elephant’s spine, a practice followed by many other centres in Thailand.

The Royal Elephant Kraal Village and Wang Chang work closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in relation to their promotional videos as they want to promote elephants that are healthy, humanely treated and have an excellent standard of care. This high standard of care and treatment (and also safety) is widely recognised. The Thai Royal Palace frequently sends VIP visitors, including visiting royalty from other countries, to Wang Chang to view, interact with, and ride the elephants.

The Kraal’s elephants come from many different backgrounds and have many different histories, some we know of and others we don’t. There is nothing that we can do about their pasts, but we can provide them with a safe haven of love, care, food, exercise, and stimulation and a future that is far better than their past. Not all elephants in Thailand have been put through the “crush” or “breaking of their spirit” in order to be able to let humans ride them. A UN report on “crush” and other training techniques quoted Gone Astray, stating, “An elephant born in captivity is brought up amongst human beings and its training is humane from the day it begins; but a wild beast parted from the herd and its mother must suffer agonies before its will is broken.” The breeding program at the Kraal allows for human/elephant interaction from the moment they are born. They learn to trust and bond with humans and relationships form and grow. Positive reinforcement and food is used with all training techniques, including training to be ridden.

Before jumping to conclusions about the effect of the elephant ride program on the elephants, consider the facts and make an informed decision regarding your participation. Facts and mathematics indicate that the practice of providing elephant rides is neither strenuous for the elephant nor damaging to the elephant’s back and/or spine. Additionally, our experience and anecdotal evidence suggests that the elephants benefit in many ways from giving rides.

I would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following colleagues in the preparation of this article: Narelle McGlusky; Ewa Narkiewicz; Michelle Reedy; and Jonathan Phipps.

1. See Responsible Travel Tales, < http://journals.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/story/81053/Thailand/Why-Elephant-Riding-Should-Be-Removed-from-Your-Bucket-List>, accessed 4 August 2014.
2. This figure is extrapolated from studies on the weight carrying ability of horses. A recent study testing previous theories regarding the weight carrying ability of horses by the Ohio States University Agricultural Technical Institute confirmed that the collective weight of rider and gear should not exceed 20% of the total weight of the horse. (Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, vol. 28, no. 1 (2008), pp. 28-33). Considering the more robust anatomical structure of elephants, the figure for these animals is usually estimated at 25% of the elephant’s body weight. 3. Elephantstay elephant weight statistics taken June 2013, Ayutthaya, Thailand. 4. An average weight has been used for mahout body weights.
5. USA average human body weights have been used for calculations as Americans are one of the heaviest in the world, <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr010.pdf>, accessed 6 August 2014.
6. Elephant weight statistics taken June 2013, September 2013 and April 2014, Ayutthaya, Thailand. 7. An average weight has been used for mahout body weights. 8. USA average human body weights have been used for calculations as Americans are one of the heaviest in the world, <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr010.pdf>, accessed 4 August 2014. Note: the vast majority of tourists at Wang Chang are Japanese, lowering the percentage even further. 9. UN report, Gone Astray: The Care and Management of the Asian Elephant in Domesticity, http://www.fao.org/3/contents/ae165984-7121-5959-9e9e-3fab81ea9a82/ac774e00.htm, accessed 4 September 2014.

Many thanks to Elephantstay and their staff for sharing their riding program statistics with us.