Elephants used in tourism — for riding, painting and shows — are subject to training methods involving severe punishment and lifelong confinement in inadequate conditions.
Tourist elephants are captured or bred, subjected to phajaan (breaking of spirit) as calves, and spend their lives in chains between tourist sessions. Even at so-called ethical facilities, the absence of adequate foraging, social choice and movement is significant. Genuine elephant welfare requires large natural areas, freedom from performance demands, and ability to self-select social groupings. No riding or performance facility meets this standard.