I am an animal lover living in Belgium, and I strongly believe wildlife should never be used as roadside attractions for tourism. Recently, I was disturbed to see an elephant standing alone for extended periods outside a restaurant in Pinnawala. This painful sight deeply upset me. Elephants are not just majestic creatures; they are highly intelligent and social animals. It is heartbreaking to see one isolated and utilized merely to draw in customers.

This is not a simple issue of aesthetics or tourism; it's a grave violation of animal rights. Elephants thrive in herds, using complex social structures to communicate and care for each other. Depriving them of this environment for the sake of profit is not only unethical but also damaging to their well-being. Studies have shown that elephants in captivity suffer from various physical and psychological issues, including shorter lifespans and heightened stress, making this practice all the more indefensible.

Though this injustice occurs far from where I live, I stand resolute in the belief that animal welfare is a global responsibility. Tourism is a powerful connector of our world, and as travellers and global citizens, it is our duty to advocate for ethical practices international tourism. We must question, challenge, and change practices that compromise the welfare of animals for human enjoyment or profit.

I urge the Sri Lankan government and the tourism authorities in Pinnawala to stop using elephants as tourist attractions. Instead, support wildlife sanctuaries where animals can live freely and naturally, and where tourists can enjoy their presence without compromising their dignity and health.

Join me in standing up against the exploitation of elephants for tourism. Let us raise our voices to bring about sustainable and ethical changes in how wildlife is treated in tourism by signing this petition. Together, we can make a difference.