World Animal Protection’s Statement on Tourist Death at Thai Elephant Venue

World Animal Protection Thailand would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year-old Spanish student, who tragically lost her life during an elephant bathing activity at Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre, Phang Nga Province. This unfortunate incident highlights the inherent risks of using elephants in tourism activities designed for human entertainment. Such practices not only endanger the safety of tourists and mahouts but also negatively impact the welfare of the elephants involved. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of injuries and fatalities linked to these activities. To prevent similar tragedies, we strongly advocate for a serious reassessment of the use of elephants in tourism activities.