Dak Lak: Spreading the Significant Message of 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants'

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants'

Starting from March 1st, the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center, under the Tourism and Hotel Branch of the Imperial Hotel Company Limited, Simexco Daklak, is launching an internal and tourism communication campaign titled 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants' to widely promote the cessation of elephant riding.

'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants'

Previously, on February 9th, representatives from the Tourism and Hotel Branch of the Imperial Hotel Company Limited (Simexco Daklak) issued a statement regarding the cessation of elephant riding activities at the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center starting from February 10th, 2023.

Implementing the provincial government's directive to cease elephant riding services in tourism business activities to conserve the province's elephant population and gradually transition to elephant-friendly tourism, 2/9 Dak Lak Import Export Company has decided to halt its elephant riding business at the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center. Since then, the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center has been the pioneering and sole unit in Dak Lak province to carry out this cessation.

Internal and tourism communication campaign 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants' aims to widely propagate the cessation of elephant riding, transitioning to elephant-friendly tourism - Photo: Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center.

'Halting elephant riding services aligns with the trend of humane tourism, helping Dak Lak maintain its vitality. This service is crucial to the provincial government's initiative to preserve the native elephant herd. However, realistically speaking, most of the elephants in Dak Lak are domesticated and nurtured by local residents. So, if we only focus on persuading these elephants to cease participating in riding services without providing alternative sources of income besides riding for their health care and livelihoods for their owners, the feasibility of halting elephant riding will not be sustainable,' said Mr. Le Duc Huy, General Director of Simexco Dak Lak.

Therefore, starting from February 10th, the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center has simultaneously launched various elephant-friendly tourism services such as: taking photos with elephants, feeding elephants, bathing with elephants,... with the aim of quickly providing a decent income for elephant owners, persuading them to trust and feel secure in this rightful initiative.

'Following the cessation of elephant riding activities in Buon Don, tourist arrivals have significantly declined, posing a risk of loss of income security and greatly affecting the livelihoods of elephant owners' families, leading to inadequate healthcare for Buon Don elephants. We recognize the urgent need for promoting 'elephant-friendly services' to both local residents and tourists visiting Dak Lak in general, and Buon Don in particular, to sustain the long-term conservation of Buon Don elephants,' added Mr. Le Duc Huy.

With an elephant-friendly tourism model, visitors can immerse themselves in the experience by going into the forest to observe elephants and learn about their behavior. Here, tourists can also find elephant footprints and traces of their search for food. Moreover, tourists can learn about the flora and fauna of Yok Don National Park, explore the medicinal plants used by local people, and enjoy a picnic-style lunch.

Posted by: Thanh Xuân 12C

Keywords: Dak Lak: Meaningful Message of 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants' campaign?

The primary aim of the 'I laugh with elephants, I stop riding elephants' campaign is to promote the cessation of elephant riding at the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center. This initiative is intended to raise awareness about the importance of transitioning to elephant-friendly tourism practices that prioritize the welfare of elephants and support their conservation.

How does halting elephant riding contribute to local elephant conservation efforts?

Halting elephant riding is vital for local elephant conservation as it aligns with the provincial government's directive aimed at preserving the native elephant population. By stopping riding services, the initiative seeks to protect elephants' health and welfare, promoting a more humane approach to tourism that benefits both elephants and local communities.

What alternative activities are offered to tourists at the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center?

To replace elephant riding, the Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourist Center offers several alternative activities, including taking photos with elephants, feeding them, and bathing with them. These activities are designed to provide a meaningful experience for visitors while ensuring that elephant owners have sustainable income sources that support their livelihoods.

What challenges do elephant owners face after the cessation of riding services?

Following the cessation of elephant riding, many elephant owners face significant challenges, including a decline in tourist arrivals, which threatens their income security. This situation has implications for the healthcare of elephants, as reduced income can limit the resources available for their proper care and maintenance.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]