Elephant Rides in Vietnam’s Central Highlands Replaced with Photoshoots

This move has elicited conflicting feedback, with some being positive and some negative. It is clear that many people have different opinions on the matter.

Le Van Toan, from Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam, was visiting a relative in Cu M’Gar District in Dak Lak Province when he arrived. He had traveled to the area to reconnect with his family and explore the region. During his time there, he was able to gain a better understanding of the culture and customs of the local people, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the area. He also had the opportunity to meet with other members of his extended family, further deepening his connection to the region. All in all, Toan’s visit was a meaningful and enriching experience that he will remember for many years to come.

Taken to the Buon Don Tourist Center, he was eagerly anticipating an opportunity to ride an elephant.

Having paid the VND40,000 (US$1.69) ticket fee, he was dismayed to discover that the service had been discontinued.

According to the current policy, tourists who have purchased tickets to the Buon Don Tourist Center must buy an additional ticket if they want to take a photograph with the tamed elephants.

“I came here to try riding the elephants,” said Toan angrily. “I could have easily watched them elsewhere – but this was a different experience.”

Toan’s companions attempted to bargain with the tour guide, taking into account the lengths the man had gone to get his only opportunity to ride the enormous creature.

He traversed almost one thousand kilometers to arrive here. If you desire, we can offer additional payment. All you need to do is get him to sit on the elephant’s neck and take a picture,” suggested one of his friends.

“What a preposterous service! We have already paid for the entrance ticket, and now you’re suggesting that we pay even more just to take a photograph with the elephant?”

Dung, the tour guide working at the Buon Don Tourist Center, provided the best explanations she could, attempting to placate the incensed visitors.

According to her, the elephant rides were still available until February 10th, when they were officially brought to an end.

Unaware tourists often experience disappointment when they’re unable to ride the elephants, according to her.

According to an elephant keeper at the Buon Don Tourist Center, only a few photography tickets are sold each day.

As the owner’s meager income does not allow for extra expenses, their elephants do not get additional food rations.

Every night, I must tie my elephant in the forest, fearful that it might damage people’s crops. Even worse, there is a possibility that its tail or tusks could be stolen away,” he remarked.

I returned the elephant to the center at the crack of dawn, yet here it is 3:00 pm and I still haven’t sold a single ticket.

Unite to Safeguard Elephants with Joint Efforts

The majestic and beloved elephant is facing a serious threat to its existence due to poaching and environmental degradation. To prevent these gentle giants from extinction, it is essential that we join forces to safeguard them.

One of the most effective ways to conserve elephants is to raise awareness and promote responsible tourism. By educating people on the importance of protecting the species, as well as supporting sustainable tourism initiatives, we can ensure that the elephants remain safe.

We can also help to protect the elephants by engaging in anti-poaching efforts. This involves monitoring poaching activities, collaborating with law enforcement, and using technology to identify poachers. In addition, providing locals with alternative sources of income can help reduce the demand for ivory.

Finally, conserving the habitats of elephants is critical for their survival. This means preserving their food sources, such as grasslands and forests, and protecting them from human-induced threats, such as fire and habitat loss.

By taking action now, we can make sure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of these incredible animals. Let’s come together and make joint efforts to protect the elephants.

Aware of the elephant owner’s disappointment, a group of Hanoians tourists graciously offered to buy five tickets to pose with his beloved pet.

The 40-year-old mammal devoured two packs of sugarcane sticks in a matter of minutes. He chomped through them with remarkable speed, savoring every sweet morsel.

Three extra packs of sugarcane sticks were procured for him by one of these people. And everyone had a great time interacting with the amiable creature.

They took turns to strike a pose with the elephant to avoid potential agitation and hostility.

“Why are you eating so quickly?” asked Hoa, a 60-year-old tourist, as she fed sugarcane sticks to the elephant. “Take it easy! There’s still plenty left. You must have been so hungry for days!”

The elephant was filled with joy as it watched a group of tourists showered it with love and affection, especially with their delectable treats.

It was leaning forward, extending its trunk to grasp the snack.

Those who could capture the awe-inspiring moment of the elephant displaying its immense strength against the azure sky were overcome with joy and found themselves bursting into laughter.

Le Duc Huy, the director of Simexco Daklak Ltd., acknowledged that riding elephants has been the tradition among Vietnamese tourists visiting this area.

“The best thing here has always been to take an elephant ride and bring home a nice photo as a memento. However, if this practice continues, the elephants will become severely stressed,” he cautioned.

This needs to be changed.

According to him, this tourist destination is renowned for its heroic acts and historic legends. Those who visit are filled with admiration for the incredible stories of bravery and courage this place has to offer. From the ancient tales of kings and warriors to the stories of modern-day heroes, this destination will leave you inspired and awestruck.

Occupied by ethnic Lao people since its very early stages, the land of Laos features plenty of captivating stories about hunting and taming elephants. These tales of bravery and skill are still shared among the Lao people, inspiring generations with their heroic feats. From the courage of the hunters to the wisdom of the trainers, these stories showcase the unique culture and traditions of Laos. With the help of these tales, the legacy of a proud history is kept alive.

Along the majestic Srepok River, a major tributary of the Mekong River, lies Dak Lak Province. Here, you can find a river that is filled with beauty and peace, lined with numerous waterfalls and river islands. Soak in the stunning views of this majestic river and its picturesque natural wonders!

Tourists visiting this area can marvel at the majestic banyan trees, whose branches hang like shimmering locks of hair cascading down to the glistening surface of the water.

These features are highly attractive to both local and international travelers alike.

However, the Simexco Daklak Ltd. encountered various difficulties after acquiring the Buon Don Tourist Center.

Noticeably, it is based on over hectares of farmland rented from local residents.

“Due to this, Director Huy expressed his reluctance to invest further in tourism facilities,” he said.

Therefore, the lasting impression that tourists have is the elephant riding tours. For years, these majestic animals have had to bear the weight of people on their backs.

The logo of this company features a powerful and friendly elephant in the region.

“However”, he said, “elephants in this area have been severely exploited.”

As elephants age, there is a growing fear that one day they will no longer exist. With the growing threats of poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict, it is becoming increasingly difficult for these majestic creatures to survive. Ultimately, this could lead to a future where there are no more elephants in the wild. It is up to us to take action and ensure that future generations will be able to experience the wonder of these animals.

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Therefore, despite our reservations, we have ultimately decided to transition from riding the elephants to simply posing with them.

Very soon, we will construct traditional Lao-style houses to welcome the Tet holiday in April. Tourists will have an incredible opportunity to take memorable photos with both elephants and these traditional houses.

Also, we will design a tour that takes tourists from the Yok Don National Park to the Srepok Waterfall. Along the way, they will be able to experience the diverse cuisines of the Lao, H’Mong, and Ede ethnic groups. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to view the ancient abode of Ama Kong, the renowned elephant hunter.

Elephant products, including ivory, have been officially banned in many countries due to their endangered status. This ban is an effort to protect these majestic animals and their habitats from the devastating effects of poaching and illegal trade. The ban also helps to ensure that these animals do not become extinct in the future. This ban is an important step in the right direction for the conservation of elephants and their habitats.

The availability of products made from elephants is now a distant memory, thanks to the recent enactment of stringent regulations. Rings crafted from the tail hair or tusks of these majestic creatures are now consigned to the past.

A lot of stores publicly advertised these products, though it was difficult to determine their authenticity.

Some elephant keepers even plucked the elephant’s tail hair to sell directly to tourists. This practice has been criticized, as it can cause the elephants considerable pain and distress.

According to the management of the tourist center, all the souvenir stores in the area have been mandated to cease the sale of elephant-based products, regardless of whether they are real or imitation.

The police forces and forest rangers regularly patrol the area, and any stores found in violation of this law are subject to hefty fines. “It’s serious business,” he said.

The abolition of elephant-derived products has helped to raise tourists’ awareness of protecting wildlife, including the elephants themselves.

Elephant races will no longer be featured at future coffee festivals, due to the increasing demand for animal welfare. The decision to remove elephant racing from coffee festivals comes after several organizations raised awareness of the potential abuse these animals may face. Animal welfare advocates are applauding the move, which they believe will help ensure that these majestic creatures are not subjected to any form of mistreatment.

This shift away from elephant racing is part of a larger trend towards protecting animals and promoting their welfare. Numerous organizations are working hard to ensure that animals are not exploited for entertainment or any other purpose. It is hoped that this will lead to a more compassionate and respectful attitude towards all creatures.

The removal of elephant racing from coffee festivals marks a major victory for animal rights activists and demonstrates that their voices are being heard. It is hoped that this change will inspire more people to take action in support of animal welfare and contribute to a more humane world.

Representatives of the 8th Coffee Festival of Buon Ma Thuot City in Dak Lak Province have affirmed that this year’s event, starting March 12th, will still be held as one of the 18 major annual events, but the elephants will not have to experience any health-damaging activities.

To make the content more engaging and interesting, we suggest adding some detail and context to the activities that will remain. For example, you could mention the type of race, such as a marathon or a relay race, or the rules for the football match. You could also provide more information about the tug of war with elephants, such as what type of rope is used, the size of the teams, or the prize for the winning team.

Instead of the usual activities, there will be other pro-elephant activities such as making offerings to the gods to pray for their well-being, having a make-up competition for elephants, hosting a buffet party, and organizing a posing competition.

The Elephant Festival at the Buon Don Tourist Center is part of an effort to honour the memorandum signed between the Dak Lak authorities and the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), aimed at transitioning from riding elephants to more sustainable tourism practices.

The memorandum also stipulates that there will be no elephant parades taking place during the 8th Coffee Festival in the city of Buon Ma Thuot. This prohibition will ensure that the festival remains enjoyable and safe for all attendees. Furthermore, it is an important step in protecting the majestic animals and promoting their conservation.

The organizing committee will commission renowned international artists and performers, as well as expert coffee planters, to join in the remarkable performances instead of the endangered mammals.

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