With an aim to protect elephants, wildlife SOS launched "Refuse to Ride" campaign with India's first high speed train "Gatiman" express that ferries nearly 45,000 tourists between Delhi and Agra each month. 

The Golden Triangle of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi forms a popular tourist route and Wildlife SOS has taken on the task of educating tourists about the choice they must make between responsible tourism and one that promotes elephant abuse.

Promoting elephant protection, the train also spreading the message -"Joyrides on elephants is elephant abuse."

Paula Simpson, an American tourist on the train said"I have been sensitized today and will never ride an elephant again or promote elephant abuse even accidentally. I hopethis message will encourage tourists like me to refrain from riding elephants. This will bringa positive change in the life of voiceless animals who suffer for the entertainment of humans."

For many tourists travelling to India, taking an elephant ride tops their bucket-list of must-have experiences. But most peopleare not aware of the harsh reality behind how elephants are tamed and the horrific abuse they must endure to be "trained" for giving rides.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said"India is the last strong hold for the Asian Elephant and home to 50% of the world's Asian elephant population. There is a need to protect their population in the wild. If we reduce the demand for elephants for joyrides and in temples, these animals will remain safe in the wild."

Baiju Raj, Director Conservation Projects - Wildlife SOS said"The demand from tourists for animal entertainment is keeping this grotesque industry alive. If tourists stop riding

elephants, their abuse and exploitation will stop. As long as there are huge profits to be made by exploiting animals, the abuse and exploitation of elephants in tourism and entertainment industry will persist."

Notably, India has only 22000 to 25000 elephants left in the wild. At this rate, we could lose the entire wild elephant population in the next 5 to 10 years if steps are not taken to conserve and protect this species.

"The heavy robes that mask the scars from spiked chains, deep wounds from beatings, puss filled abscess, lameness, rotting footpads prevent tourists from seeing the truth of what the elephant suffers," said Wildlife SoS official, adding,

"Oil or paint is smeared on wounds and scars to conceal the reality from innocent tourists. Intricately painted designs on the elephant act as clever distractions to keep tourists from discovering the dark truth behind elephant 'joy' rides. Sadly, all this is done by people who exploit elephants and fool tourists who out of ignorance are misled to pay big bucks to go on elephant rides."