PETA’s new video footage shows elephants being beaten, chained, and forced to give rides to visitors at the cultural landmark, which causes these intelligent, sensitive animals severe physical and psychological suffering. Elephants belong in their natural homes, not in captivity, where they’re prevented from engaging in the vital activities that make them healthy and happy. Elephants mourn when they lose a loved one, and females stay with their families for life—but in Thailand, captive elephants like the ones at Ayutthaya are subjected to a ritual called phajaan, which translates to “breaking the love between” mother and baby. You can help these animals by refusing to ride them or visit places where they’re forced to perform. Please urge the Tourism Authority of Thailand to ban elephant rides from Ayutthaya: PETAAsia.com/Ayutthaya
