The Movement Control Orders placed all around the world to battle the coronavirus definitely has its bright sides as mother nature flourishes under the lack of human activity.
In fact, the decimation of tourism caused by the movement restriction has given new lives to the elephants that were previously forced to give tourists rides at the Maesa elephant camp in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.
The owners decided to permanently scrap the heavy wooden chairs and metal carriages tied to their backs to carry tourists throughout the day.
As according to Yahoo, Anchalee Kalampichit, the camp director, said that this would be the first time in 44 years that the elephants have not worn seats at the start of the day and that the company will now change their business to allow the elephants to roam freely in the grounds and operate as a place for visitors to observe the animals.
All 78 elephants will never have to wear the seats again.
Animal-based tourist activities have always been a choice activity for tourists in Asia, but most of the time many don’t realise how much these animals have to suffer as elephants have to carry heavy chairs and tourists on their back while a tiger drugged for photo sessions.
We genuinely hope that other animal-based tourist spots follow Maesa’s suit and liberate their animals and teach tourists to respect the animals.
We’re so happy for the adorable elephants!
Also read: Covid-19 Lockdown Closes Aquarium, Penguins Free To Roam & Experience Being A Visitor
