Cambodia: Come 2020, there will be no elephant ride at Angkor archeological park

In a move that will make animal lovers happy, Cambodia has decided to stop the practice of elephants giving rides to tourists at the Angkor archeological park. According to officials, the elephants there will be moved to a jungle area close to the temple complex. Reportedly, the elephants had been providing rides for tourists since 2001.

Living life in natural habitat

According to sources, some of the 14 elephants at the site are either old or in ill health. They have been providing rides to tourists for over a decade. They will be moved to "a community forest in the province" that will serve as their new home. Apsara National Authority, the agency that oversees the operation and upkeep of Angkor Temple site said that it is important for the animals to be able to live out their lives in their natural habitat and that they will devise new ways to provide attractions and rides for tourists.

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On to their new homes

The agency also added that the tourists will be allowed to see the elephants in their new habitat, but not ride them. This decision comes after a female elephant died after giving rides to tourists during the sweltering heat in 2016. The death sparked an outpouring of grief and criticism on social media. A petition was even made on change.org asking Aspara Authority to end the practice of elephant rides.

The new location will be 40 kilometers away from the temple site. Two elephants have already been taken to the new site.

The temples at Angkor, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, are Cambodia’s biggest tourist attraction, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of national pride that is emblazoned on the Cambodian flag.

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