What We Learned From an Elephant Conservationist

Before we started Seek Sophie, we thought ethical elephant tourism just meant no touching, no riding, no bathing. We didn’t realise how complicated ethical elephant tourism actually is.

We didn’t know that chains can be necessary in certain situations. We didn’t know how risky it can be to speak out about ethical elephant tourism in some countries, or why so many people stay quiet. And we didn’t realise that many places marketed as “ethical” aren’t at all, but are backed by big marketing budgets and strong local connections.

To understand ethical elephant tourism better, we spoke with one of the most experienced elephant conservationists in Thailand. They asked to remain anonymous. Speaking openly about elephant tourism, especially when it challenges common practices, can lead to harassment, or much worse.

This conversation gave us a glimpse into just how complex ethical elephant tourism really is. We’re sharing it here for anyone who wants to understand what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Why is a no-touch approach important in elephant sanctuaries?

Elephant Conservationist: Physical interaction with tourists can be dangerous for both people and elephants. Keeping a respectful distance allows elephants the space to express natural behaviours without stress or coercion. A no-touch approach also supports healthier, more respectful relationships between elephants and their caretakers (mahouts), reducing the need for dominance and control.

Why is tourist bathing unethical?

Elephant Conservationist: Bathing experiences with tourists can be highly stressful for elephants, especially when large groups surround them, climb on them, or restrict their movement. Allowing elephants to bathe naturally, in their own time, respects their autonomy and well-being. Bathing should only be done by experienced caretakers when necessary for hygiene or medical reasons, not for tourist enjoyment.

Why is tourist feeding a red flag?

Elephant Conservationist: Direct feeding by tourists can disrupt elephants’ natural foraging behaviour and social dynamics. It can also encourage competition and aggression, increasing the risk of injuries. If food is involved, it should be prepared and placed by caretakers as enrichment, without direct interaction or close-up selfies.

Does this still apply to elephants that were rescued after growing up in captivity?

Elephant Conservationist: Yes. Most elephants in sanctuaries were born in captivity and will remain captive, but that doesn’t mean they should continue to be used for close human interaction. Ethical facilities focus on rehabilitation, autonomy, socialisation with other elephants, and living in more natural conditions — not on recreating “hands-on” experiences for visitors.

Are there cases where elephants are so domesticated that close contact is safe?

Elephant Conservationist: Even elephants accustomed to humans remain large, powerful, and unpredictable animals. Close interaction always carries risk and often requires control measures if something goes wrong. Injuries and fatalities involving captive elephants do happen, though they are rarely publicised. Keeping distance protects both elephants and people, and reduces the need for force or restraint.

What are common red flags when researching elephant sanctuaries?

Elephant Conservationist:

• Elephants posing for selfies
• Elephants painting or performing tricks
• Elephants delivering breakfast or allowing guests to sit on or under them
• Tourists rolling in mud with elephants, especially calves
• Mothers and calves kept in small stalls without privacy or space

These activities almost always require coercive training and control.

What might surprise people about places that market themselves as ethical?

Elephant Conservationist: Many visitors don’t realise that elephants don’t naturally seek close contact with humans. These interactions are typically the result of training and conditioning, often involving dominance and force, rather than choice.

Why does visiting an ethical sanctuary matter?

Elephant Conservationist: Ethical sanctuaries support elephants’ welfare by prioritising natural behaviour, autonomy, and humane care. They also help fund long-term protection and rehabilitation efforts, and encourage better standards across the industry.

Is it true that mahouts sometimes carry tools like bullhooks?

Elephant Conservationist: In some facilities, caretakers may carry tools such as bullhooks or sticks for emergency safety situations only. Elephants can be extremely dangerous animals, and caretakers carry a heavy responsibility. However, these tools can also be misused or concealed (for example, with spikes or nails) to force elephants into exploitative activities. This is why transparency and strict limits on use matter.

Have elephants ever become aggressive towards travellers?

Elephant Conservationist: Yes. There have been many cases, especially where elephants are stressed, confined, overheated, or overworked. This reinforces why maintaining distance and respecting an elephant’s space is essential.

Are chains always unethical?

Elephant Conservationist: Not necessarily. Chains may be used temporarily for safety, medical treatment, or when caretakers are unavailable, typically at night. When used, they should be long enough (at least five metres) to allow movement and rest, and elephants should otherwise have daily access to space where they can roam freely. While enclosures are preferable where possible, chains can be a necessary compromise in certain contexts.

Some ethical facilities use what is called a drag chain, this is a length of chain attached to the elephants ankle but not tethered to a tree or anchor point. A drag chain allows an elephant to move freely through the forest roaming large areas to forage, the drag chain creates a marking on the path making it easier for caretakers to track them and secure them if needed.

What’s the most important rule of thumb for travellers?

Elephant Conservationist: If a wildlife experience allows you to ride, bathe, touch, or take selfies with animals, it’s very likely not ethical. Look for experiences that allow animals to live more naturally, while you observe respectfully from a distance, following recognised animal welfare guidelines