Two-day rally to demand freedom for Amer Fort elephants

Thanks to more than 100,000 animal lovers across Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada, the USA and Denmark who added their voices to end elephant rides at Amer Fort, our team in India was able to deliver a strong message to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan as they handed in their submission during a two-day action.

The team also submitted over 2,500 postcards which came from several supporters in Australia and many students in India demanding an end to elephant cruelty.

Day one: Walk for Elephants

More than 500 volunteers and students participated in a “Walk for Elephants” activity around Jawahar Circle in Jaipur on the 11^th of August to promote the humane treatment of elephants in India.

Amruta Badheka, Campaign Manager (Wildlife), World Animal Protection India, said:

"Today, elephants are facing an existential challenge in both the wild and in captivity. The 80 elephants in Amer Fort deserve better than to give daily rides in a place that is not their home range state. Today’s walk of citizens from across a range of institutions is a plea to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to end the cruel spectacle of elephant rides in Jaipur in favour of more humane alternatives that benefit both humans and elephants.”

Day two: Cycle for Elephants

On World Elephant Day, the 12^th of August, around 150 animal lovers from a popular cycling club known as Rajasthan Road Riders participated in a 160 km “Cycle for Elephants” action to raise awareness about the daily backbreaking rides elephants like Rangoli are forced to provide at the fort.

Gajender K. Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection India, said:

“World Animal Protection and Rajasthan Road Riders are bringing home the message to end the spectacle of cruel elephant rides in Jaipur.

We hope the honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan will take cognizance of the concern shown for the elephants of Amer Fort and Haathi Gaon and put an end to the elephant rides in Jaipur.”

The two-day action was followed by a bike rally on the 13^th of August, inaugurated by an MP from Jaipur, to spread the message of “No Pride in Elephant Rides”.

Thank you for your tireless support to end the suffering of Rangoli and other elephants like her who are made to carry the weight of multiple tourists in scorching heat for financial gain.

Together, we can give elephants in India and around the world lives worth living.

Thank you for your tireless support to end the suffering of Rangoli and other elephants like her who are made to carry the weight of multiple tourists in scorching heat for financial gain.