Tourist death at elephant camp exposes dangers of captive wildlife tourism

A tourist has died after being caught in a clash between two elephants at a wildlife tourism site in southern India, prompting renewed scrutiny of close-contact experiences with captive animals.

Latest reports also state that the captive elephant, Marthanda, sustained severe injuries and has also passed.

The incident took place at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, where visitors gather to watch elephants being bathed and, until recently, interact with them at close range.

The 33-year-old tourist was visiting the camp with her family when two elephants began fighting during a routine bathing session in the Cauvery River.

Handlers were unable to regain control, and during the clash one elephant lost balance and fell, trapping the woman underneath. She died at the scene from her injuries. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

Both elephants were held in captivity at the camp. The incident has led authorities to tighten safety measures, including restricting visitor access and banning close-contact activities such as feeding, bathing and photography with the animals.

Pressure grows on elephant tourism practices

Dubare is one of several elephant camps in India where tourists are offered close interactions, inclduing bathing sessions and photo opportunities.

These types of activities have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, as fatal incidents involving wildlife keep occuring. Public awareness has also grown considerably around the cruelty involved in elephant training techniques. 

Elephants used in tourism are often kept in controlled environments that limit their natural behaviours, and high visitor numbers can add to stress, which can risk public safety and animal welfare.

Direct contact between people and wild animals will always carry risks, regardless of how long the animals have been trained.

Keeping a safe distance from wildlife

Elephants, like all wild animals, are not suited to close, hands-on encounters with people.

This incident shows that putting wildlife into tourism settings, especially those built around direct interaction, can put both animals and visitors at risk.

Seeing elephants in real life can be a tourist's dream come true, but all animals deserve proper respect and care. Watching elephants from a distance, in their natural habitat is the best way to witness them. 

Whereas venues that choose to exploit them through unnatural activities like bathing or painting are not prioritising the welfare of the animals involved. We encourage everyone to research before booking activities and spot the signs of elephant exploitation such as captive breeding and unnatural performances.

Explore our Elephant Friendly Tourist Guide here.