Bollywood actress Bhagyashree has voiced her support for World Animal Protection’s campaign aimed at ceasing elephant rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur. Known for her iconic role in the film ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, Bhagyashree has long been an advocate for animal welfare. Her childhood experiences instilled in her a sense of compassion for animals, and she has since realised the widespread cruelty they endure globally.

As an enthusiastic traveller, she has seen wild elephants and other animals in their natural habitats, which has further emphasised the need for their freedom. However, millions of wild animals, including elephants, are often confined and exploited for entertainment, particularly in tourist areas like Amer Fort.

Jaipur, often referred to as the pride of Rajasthan, attracts numerous visitors eager to experience its rich history and culture. The city’s Amer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases its royal heritage, contributing to the allure for tourists.

Conditions Faced by Elephants

Bhagyashree has shed light on the harsh realities faced by the elephants involved in rides. She revealed that behind the picturesque images and decorations lie the miserable conditions of almost eighty elephants, who live lives filled with pain and confinement. Many of these animals are subjected to long hours of chaining, deprived of essentials such as adequate food, veterinary care, and natural behaviours.

When not offering rides at Amer Fort, these elephants often continue to work in areas like Haathi Gaon, where their suffering persists. Bhagyashree emphasised the emotional and intellectual capabilities of elephants, underscoring their ability to form strong family bonds and experience a range of feelings.

She expressed deep sorrow at the sight of these majestic beings being reduced to mere attractions for human amusement. According to her, elephants are not meant for entertainment, but belong in their natural habitats where they can lead fulfilling lives.

Uncovering the Training Practices

Bhagyashree further revealed disturbing aspects of how elephants are trained, detailing a cruel process known as “the crush.” This method involves the forceful separation of calves from their mothers, designed to break their spirits and ensure compliance during rides and performances. The trauma experienced by these young animals is immense, as they are subjected to fear and distress for the sake of entertainment.

She believes many tourists, both domestic and international, remain unaware of the suffering that lies behind the scenes. Most visitors focus solely on the experience of riding a decorated elephant, oblivious to the hidden pain involved.

Bhagyashree pointed out that despite India designating elephants as the National Heritage Animal, the reality for many remains bleak as they endure such treatment for tourism. She advocates for celebrating Rajasthan’s culture and heritage in ways that do not involve animal cruelty, stressing that true heritage should embody compassion and respect for living beings.

Call for Change and Rehabilitation

In support of World Animal Protection’s initiative, Bhagyashree is calling for a ban on elephant rides in Jaipur and advocating for the rehabilitation of these elephants to proper sanctuaries where they can live freely and with care. World Animal Protection has acknowledged her efforts and the significance of her support, especially following the recent death of an elephant named Chanchal, which has drawn further attention to this pressing issue.

The organisation, part of the Asia For Animals coalition comprising 241 groups, has reached out to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan to request an end to elephant rides. Furthermore, World Animal Protection has welcomed new animal welfare standards announced by the Ministry of Tourism, hoping these measures will lead to the discontinuation of such practices.

Gajender Kumar Sharma, the Country Director for World Animal Protection in India, expressed gratitude for Bhagyashree’s involvement. He stated that her plea could help raise awareness and ultimately bring about an end to elephant rides with government support.

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