Elephants used in logging and tourism across Southeast Asia experience severe welfare harm through capture, training, and working conditions.
The life of a working elephant in tourism typically begins with traumatic capture from the wild and breaking through confinement and punishment. Adult working elephants are often kept in chains when not working, denied social interaction with conspecifics, and forced to perform unnatural behaviors for tourists. The physical damage from carrying seats accumulates over years. Distinguishing genuine welfare sanctuaries from venues that rebrand without changing practices is essential for responsible tourism.