In a shocking incident, a 22-year-old Spanish tourist lost her life while bathing an elephant at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Thailand, igniting discussions on animal welfare practices in the tourism sector.
Tragic Encounter: Elephant Kills Spanish Tourist in Thailand
Tragic Encounter: Elephant Kills Spanish Tourist in Thailand
A Spanish woman dies after a fatal elephant incident while participating in a controversial tourist activity in Thailand.
Last Friday, Blanca Ojanguren García was engaged in washing the elephant when it suddenly gored her, leading to tragic injuries that resulted in her death. Reports indicate that the elephant's overwhelming stress from constant tourist interactions could have contributed to the attack.
García, a law and international relations student at the University of Navarra, was in Thailand with her boyfriend during a student exchange program while studying in Taiwan. The Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, confirmed that the consulate in Bangkok is providing support to García’s grieving family following the incident.
This tragic event has drawn renewed scrutiny toward the practices of elephant tourism, particularly bathing activities that are often marketed as enjoyable experiences but have faced backlash from animal rights activists. Critics argue these activities disturb elephants’ natural behaviors and lead to significant stress.
The Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre's offerings, which include interacting closely with elephants for a fee ranging from 1,900 to 2,900 baht, highlight the tension between tourism and ethical treatment of animals.
World Animal Protection, an organization addressing the welfare of animals, reports that over 60% of elephants used in Asian tourism are kept in alarming conditions, facing serious emotional and physical suffering. Their campaign advocates for the ceasing of elephant breeding in captivity, emphasizing the need for the public to be aware of the damages caused by such tourism activities.
García, a law and international relations student at the University of Navarra, was in Thailand with her boyfriend during a student exchange program while studying in Taiwan. The Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, confirmed that the consulate in Bangkok is providing support to García’s grieving family following the incident.
This tragic event has drawn renewed scrutiny toward the practices of elephant tourism, particularly bathing activities that are often marketed as enjoyable experiences but have faced backlash from animal rights activists. Critics argue these activities disturb elephants’ natural behaviors and lead to significant stress.
The Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre's offerings, which include interacting closely with elephants for a fee ranging from 1,900 to 2,900 baht, highlight the tension between tourism and ethical treatment of animals.
World Animal Protection, an organization addressing the welfare of animals, reports that over 60% of elephants used in Asian tourism are kept in alarming conditions, facing serious emotional and physical suffering. Their campaign advocates for the ceasing of elephant breeding in captivity, emphasizing the need for the public to be aware of the damages caused by such tourism activities.
