Photo by Carlos Salavert on Pexels – In this photo, a young woman is seen touching and embracing an elephant’s trunk in a lush, open setting. At first glance, it appears to be a peaceful interaction. But in many so-called sanctuaries, moments like this are carefully orchestrated for tourist satisfaction — not animal welfare.
Elephants do not naturally seek this kind of interaction with humans. For such behaviors to occur, they are often trained — through subtle or not-so-subtle forms of control. In ethical sanctuaries, elephants are given the space and freedom to choose whether or not to engage with humans. Touching should never be expected, encouraged, or posed for photos.
This image invites reflection: are we seeing a mutual relationship, or a photo opportunity rooted in conditioning? True sanctuaries never require elephants to be this close — because their dignity matters more than the picture.
How to spot a real animal sanctuary (and avoid scams disguised as rescue)
