Target: Alpha Conde, Assembly Chair, African Union
Goal: Stop forcing elephants to give tourists rides in all African Union nations.
A bull elephant named Mbanje was shot using high-velocity bullets after he killed his handler in the Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe. The elephant was trained to give rides to humans through Adventure Zone, a company catering to tourists in the region. The time has come to put an end to this industry, which is built on the abuse and neglect of these intelligent creatures.
Mbanje, who was around 30 years old, had been working with his handler for over a decade before the fatal attack. Although the owner of Adventure Zone claims he is “drawing blanks” over what could have caused Mbanje to lash out, we do know that attacks by elephants on handlers are not uncommon and are likely linked to the years of abuse these animals must endure as part of their training.
Elephants in the tourist industry are usually kidnapped from their families at young ages and are conditioned into giving rides or performing other demeaning tricks through neglect and frequent beatings that force them into submission. The fact that some later “snap” and attack their handlers, or other humans, is not surprising given the fact these animals are so sensitive and highly intelligent.
Elephants belong in the wild within their tightly woven family groups. Sign this petition to urge the head of the African Union to push for a ban on all elephant rides across Africa.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chairman Conde,
Elephants in various parts of Africa are forced to give rides and perform tricks for the entertainment of tourists. The abuse that these creatures must sustain as part of their training can lead to deadly results, as seen with the recent killing of a handler in Zimbabwe. These tragedies are not uncommon and reflect the fact that this industry is cruel and must be brought to an end.
Elephants who are forced to give rides endure years of abuse and are usually kidnapped from wild herds at very young ages. Not only is this practice inhumane, but it is detrimental to conservation efforts across the continent. We urge you to safeguard both elephants and humans and call for a ban on elephant rides in all African Union nations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name here]
Photo Credit: Terry Fueurborn
