PREN CALLS FOR CLOSURE OF CAPTIVE ELEPHANT FACILITIES OFFERING TOURIST INTERACTIONS WITH ELEPHANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA AFTER RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS AT HERD
In South Africa there are a number of facilities which offer human-elephant interactions with captive elephants. Close contact tourism activities raise significant welfare concerns. These interactions also present obvious risks, as elephants are unpredictable and can cause serious injury due to their size. Tourists should be encouraged to observe elephants in their natural environments but should not engage in unnatural activities such as touching or feeding or used as a backdrop for photoshoots.
The Pro Elephant Network (PREN) remains deeply concerned about all human interactions with elephants, including staff, in an unprotected environment. Elephant welfare and well-being and the safety and security of the elephant handlers must always be prioritised.
In South Africa the lives of both humans and elephants depend on meaningful change. The way forward must involve constructive dialogue, stronger policies, and renewed commitment to ensuring elephants live in the wild, where they can thrive safely and naturally. PREN called on the Honourable Minister George, to facilitate an independent and public review of the captive elephant industry with the view of phasing it captive elephant facilities that offer interactions with humans.
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