The Karnataka government has announced a ban on tourists bathing elephants, feeding them, or taking selfies with them after a Chennai-based tourist died during an elephant interaction activity.
The decision comes after a tragic incident near a wildlife camp where a woman tourist reportedly lost her life after being trampled by an elephant during a fight between two captive elephants at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district on Sunday, May 18. Following the incident, authorities moved quickly to tighten safety regulations around elephant tourism activities in the state.
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A woman tourist from Tamil Nadu died at Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka after getting trapped under an elephant during a sudden fight between two captive elephants during bathing. pic.twitter.com/227uOE614b
What the new restrictions include
Under the new rules, tourists will no longer be allowed to enter water bodies with elephants for bathing activities. Feeding elephants directly and taking selfies or close-up photographs with the animals have also been prohibited.
As per the report of News18, officials said the restrictions were introduced to prevent risky interactions between tourists and captive elephants. Authorities believe close contact activities often create unpredictable situations that can become dangerous for both humans and animals.
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The state government has also reportedly directed wildlife camps and tourism centres to follow stricter safety protocols while allowing visitors near elephants.
Why the decision was taken
The move follows the death of a tourist from Chennai who was reportedly participating in an elephant bathing activity at a camp in Karnataka. Reports stated that the incident raised serious concerns over visitor safety and the handling of tourist interactions with captive elephants.
Wildlife experts and forest officials have often warned that elephants, despite being trained, remain wild animals capable of sudden behavioural changes. Activities like feeding, posing for selfies, or entering close spaces with elephants can increase the chances of accidents.
Growing concerns around wildlife tourism
The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding wildlife tourism and human interaction with animals. In recent years, authorities in several regions have introduced tighter rules around animal tourism experiences to prioritise safety and animal welfare.
As per News18, quoted in their report, forest officials in Karnataka are expected to increase monitoring at elephant camps and tourist centres to ensure the new guidelines are followed properly. Visitors will still be allowed to observe elephants from safe distances under supervision.
Officials have urged tourists to follow safety instructions strictly while visiting wildlife facilities and avoid attempting close interactions with animals for photographs or social media content.
