The death of an elephant deployed for safari duty at Kaziranga National Park has sparked renewed debate over the use of captive elephants for tourism, with wildlife activists and conservationists calling for an immediate end to elephant rides.
According to officials, the elephant collapsed after completing safari duty and later died despite efforts by forest department veterinarians. The exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, and a post-mortem examination has been conducted to ascertain the circumstances.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from animal rights groups, who allege that overwork, stress and harsh conditions faced by elephants used for tourist safaris contribute to declining health and premature deaths. Activists have urged the Assam government and forest authorities to adopt non-exploitative, elephant-friendly tourism models, arguing that wildlife tourism should not come at the cost of animal welfare.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Assam’s biggest tourist attractions and is known for elephant safaris, particularly during the peak season. However, critics say that frequent safari duties, long working hours and exposure to crowds can severely affect the physical and mental well-being of elephants.
Forest department officials said that the welfare of elephants remains a priority and that existing guidelines are followed during safari operations. They added that the matter is being reviewed and that further steps will be taken based on the findings of the post-mortem report.
The incident has once again intensified the broader conversation on ethical wildlife tourism, with calls growing for stricter regulations — or a complete ban — on elephant rides in protected areas across the state.
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