Some people did express concern about the issues you raise. Our guide responded that since few elephants were being used to log they had moved to giving tourist rides; otherwise there would be no value to continue to keep elephants and it is light work compared to logging. Also, the "saddle" and ratio of weight of two riders to one elephant is much less than horseback riding. Given that, I don't feel we contributed to elephant abuse, but your comment could be well founded in some cases.
Couldn't somebody just once grab your camera from you and get you in the shot????
luckiestmommy 4 years ago
I have a photo. Look for it in flickr... to be uploaded soon. The mahout was a little cutie, too (although he looked to be about 14).
pbeile 4 years ago
Some people did express concern about the issues you raise. Our guide responded that since few elephants were being used to log they had moved to giving tourist rides; otherwise there would be no value to continue to keep elephants and it is light work compared to logging. Also, the "saddle" and ratio of weight of two riders to one elephant is much less than horseback riding. Given that, I don't feel we contributed to elephant abuse, but your comment could be well founded in some cases.
pbeile 4 years ago