Demand for elephant rides at India's Amer Fort has fallen
Demand for elephant rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur, India, has fallen by about 70% over seven years, according to figures from Rajasthan government agencies.
The elephants carry tourists up a steep, cobbled slope to the fort, and the story says they can suffer foot injuries and show signs of distress in captivity.
Animal welfare campaigners have long called for an end to the rides, arguing that captive elephants cannot meet important physical and social needs.
The drop in demand is seen as a sign that more visitors are questioning the use of animals for entertainment.
A separate concern involves around 30 beluga whales at Marineland Niagara in Canada, whose future became unclear after the venue closed and declared bankruptcy in 2024.
The story gives no resolution for the whales, so their fate remains uncertain.
Tourist demand for elephant rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur, India, fell by around 70 percent over seven years, according to official records cited in the article.
The number of tourists taking elephant rides rose from 9,560 in 2021-22 to 79,090 in 2023-24, then fell to 48,474 in 2025-26.
The decline is welcomed by animal welfare advocates campaigning to end elephant rides.
The article says captive elephants at Amer Fort face physical and psychological harms, including foot injuries and abnormal repetitive behaviors.
Who
Tourists choosing elephant rides at Amer Fort, and the elephants used for those rides.
What
Demand for elephant rides has fallen by around 70 percent over seven years.
When
Over the seven years covered by the official records, through 2025-26.
Where
Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Why
Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Official records showed 9,560 tourists opting for elephant rides.
The number of tourists opting for rides rose to 54,514.
