Amer Fort, a top tourist destination in Jaipur, India has sanctioned elephant rides up to the fort. These elephants are subject to unnatural conditions that are detrimental to their health. They are forced to walk up and down the steep hard stone path that burns in the blazing heat of Jaipur. When not giving rides they must stand around in the oppressive heat waiting for tourists - always under the threat of an ankush should they dare to move. The elephants have no ability to cool themselves off and the hard surfaces wear down their foot pads which are critical to their overall health.
The conditions the elephants at Amer Fort face go against the animal welfare laws of India requiring proper care be given to these elephants. In addition, the AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) has issued a report that many of the elephants suffer from untreated foot conditions, blindness and diseases like tuberculosis. These elephants deserve better!
