It's time to end elephant riding at the Angkor archaeological park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A cruel tourist attraction that is proven to be harmful to elephants, and can only damage the tourism industry of Cambodia, must finally come to an end.

The recent death of Sambo, a female elephant used for tourist rides, at the Angkor temples should be the final wake-up call for the community and tourism industry to take the steps needed to end this horrific practice.

There is no such thing as cruelty-free elephant rides. Tourists may think that riding an elephant on holiday does not cause harm - you often can't see the cruelty - it's hidden from view. What you don’t realise is that a ‘once in a lifetime’ or 'bucket list' item for you, means a lifetime of misery for wild animals.

Ask that APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap) ban elephant riding at Angkor. APSARA is the Cambodian management authority responsible for protecting the archaeological park of Angkor and is in charge of the research, protection, development and conservation of the park.

Recently, thanks to World Animal Protection, 114 global companies have agreed to no longer offer visits to venues with elephant rides and shows. This is a clear sign that times are changing and the leaders of tourism industries understand and agree that this practice must end. 

Please sign, share, and let your voice be heard in calling for an end to elephant rides at Angkor.