Couldn't agree more! People have no idea about what an elephant has to go through to be ridden. The absolute cruelty and horror... They BEAT them into submission. They torture and kill the baby elephant's spirit just so that a stupid human idiot can pay to ride it. How utterly cruel and greedy.

Isnt it funny how every elephant at a commercial "sanctuary" is an orphan...? Please do not support any facility that offers animal interaction as this practice is inherently in conflict with animal welfare imperatives - true sanctuaries do not allow human imprinting on animals and actually do release them into the wild (and sadly, it is verified that the majority of the elephants performing at the top 5 elephant "sanctuaries" in South Africa are victims of kidnapping and welfare/elephant cruelty criminal cases (including current Knysna Elephant Park prosecution). Check out the WAP responsible tourism handbook and FairTrade Tourism Guidlelines for a safe and cruelty-free vacation!

Bonjour, vous pouvez être rassuré c'est des animaux qui sont très bien traités. Ce sont des animaux qui étaient malade ou braconnés et qu'ils ont sauvés. Profitez bien de votre voyage

Dear Deegaug, All the elephants at 3 Sanctuaries have been removed from the wild by a third party, the ellies eventually ended up with us. The older male at the Hazyview Elephant Sanctuary was removed from the Kruger National Park during the culling in the early 90's. Himself and 2 other males were sold to a German couple who hand reared them in Namibia. Kasper, was left by himself, after the one was shot and one electrocuted itself. Kasper, became a 'problem' and the owners applied for a hunting licence. Luckily the Elephant Sanctuary group heard and intervened. Kitso, out younger male's family was put down and himself and a few other young ellies were headed to zoo's and circuses outside the country. Again, the Sanctuary group stepped in. Should you have any further questions, we'd be happy to assist. Regards, the Sanctuary team