Working elephants in Asia face welfare challenges from traditional training methods, physical demands, and inadequate rest. Reform is possible and urgently needed.
Working elephant welfare requires addressing deep cultural practices and economic realities. Phajaan — the traditional breaking process using restraint, sleep deprivation, and pain — causes PTSD-like behavioral and neurological effects that persist throughout the elephant's life. Tourism elephants forced to carry tourists, perform unnatural tricks, or work long hours in heat experience chronic physical and psychological stress. High-welfare elephant sanctuaries that prohibit riding and performance, allow natural behavior, and use positive reinforcement training demonstrate that economically viable alternatives exist. Supporting these models while engaging respectfully with mahout communities is the most effective welfare reform pathway.