Is there such a thing as an „ethical” Elephant Sanctuary?
In a world where the phrase ‚Wild Elephant’ is not merely a tautology, but an important distinction to make whilst hiking in the wild in some parts of the world, it is imperative for us to have a collective discussion on the purpose and actions of animal sanctuaries, so that we can guarantee that animals have a life as well lived as possible.
Having recently visited one of these „ethical” Elephant Sanctuaries I began to question whether it was just for marketing, so that tourists do not feel dissuaded by visiting and can get a fake sense of achievement by choosing to visit an establishement that pushes animal welfare, instead of animal abuse.
My initial reaction was one of skepticism and early (I admit slight rash) criticism. I was saddened by the fact that Elephants immediately associated seeing humans with receiving food and stuck their trunks out waiting to receive sugar cane. They remained calm even when approached in very close proximity and waited until photos were taken, without showing any physical signs of fear or discomfort. The chief caretaker then began to explain how each Elephant had a special bond with their own personal caretaker (a youngster from the village) and that this went so far that it would feel scared and sad if unable to see his human companion, with the human acting as an emotional support animal.
My reaction to this was not a positive one, given the fact that it showed and proved just how unadapted to the natural environment the Elephants have become and pointed in the direction that they would have to forever remain in a similar establishment for the entire duration of their lives. However, the worst was yet to come. One of the Elephants would bow on command as soon as he heard the words „Thank you”. I am told this is most likely a consequence of previously having spent time in a circus, but nonetheless dubious in my opinion to continue to perpetuate this behaviour in an „ethical sanctuary’’.
The final drop was the moment we were told we could partake in washing the Elephants (another action that normally they would need no help with in the wild). Here 10 measly humans sprayed 2 elephants with water, whilst they waited for their caretakers to indicate the operation is over. How would we feel if we were the elephant in that situation? Slightly uncomfortable (at best) I’d argue. For comparison, the average sized person is to an elephant, what a domestic cat is to us. So next time you partake in this ritual, ask yourself if you would enjoy being sprayed with water by 10 cats whilst relaxing in your bathtub? Probably not...
Australian philosopher Peter Singer, who is one of the most famous and well respected animal rights activists has ceaselessly campaigned against opressive zoos, and in favour of sanctuaries, but only those that allowed animals to live painless and rich lives, and not those that in some ways still exploited the animals they were meant to protect to increase their profits. The one I visited being a combination of the 2, but nonetheless still incorporating elements of the latter.
On the journey back I was delivering this monologue to one of my travel companions, who asked „What is the alternative?” To which my response was that the animals should be left in peace in nature to live as they desire, together with their kin. I now realise that was naive of me, as we all know that mistreatment of elephants is something notoriously difficult to police, whilst being equally enticing for the people in the business. So next time we think about an animal sanctuary we should perhaps look at it from a more balanced perspective, and despite all criticism, the real question should be „Whether the elephants COULD have a better life inside or outside the sanctuary, whilst still being protected?” In the case I visited the answer was undoubtedly YES, but that does not mean this is true everywhere and not all animal sanctuaries deserve the criticisms from above, as some truly are the only reason that animals are still alive and happy, whilst others still have improvements to make in order to maximise the joy and „naturalness” of life inside their compounds.
Image by Chatgpt