Damon@DamonCrowley@mindly.social
An elephant’s spine is not built like a horse’s or a camel’s. Beneath their thick skin and muscle, their vertebrae feature sharp, upward-pointing protrusions. These structures are designed to support the animal’s own body weight and natural movements, not the additional burden of heavy equipment or passengers.
When elephants are used for tourist rides, the combined weight of saddles—often made from rigid materials—and multiple riders presses directly on these bony points. Over time, this pressure can cause abrasions, tissue damage, and even permanent deformities in the spine. The injuries often lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, making daily life far more difficult for the animals.
In many tourist destinations, these risks are not widely explained to visitors. Yet veterinary studies and wildlife organizations have repeatedly documented the harm caused by such practices. Understanding the biology of these animals makes it clear that their welfare is compromised when they are used in this way. 🐘
🚫