Entertainment Animals

Welfare of Animals Used in Entertainment in Asia

Wildlife entertainment in Asia — including elephant riding, tiger temples, and performing monkeys — poses significant welfare challenges that receive growing international scrutiny.

Key Facts

Thailand has over 200 elephant tourist camps, most using outdated cruel training methods
Tiger temples in Thailand were raided in 2016 revealing 40 dead tiger cubs in a freezer
Long-tailed macaques are trained for coconut harvesting in Thailand using cruel methods
Wildlife selfie tourism on social media drives demand for handling wild animals in captivity
World Animal Protection has developed a Wildlife Selfie Code to guide responsible tourism

Welfare Considerations

Wildlife entertainment in Asia operates in environments where animal protection law enforcement is weak and economic pressure from tourism is high. Elephants undergo phajaan breaking; tigers in temple environments are drugged for tourist photo opportunities; performing monkeys are chained and subjected to aversive training. International tourist demand drives these practices, meaning informed traveler choices have direct economic leverage.

What You Can Do

Follow World Animal Protection Wildlife Selfie Code — no selfies with wild animals
Research wildlife attractions thoroughly before visiting using WAP reviews and NGO guidance
Never pay for direct contact with tigers, elephants, or other wild animals in tourist settings
Share responsible wildlife tourism principles with friends and family planning Asia travel