PETA Launches International Campaign Against Cruel Chitwan Elephant Festival: "Hate Elephants? Come to Nepal!"

CHITWAN – The campaign by the animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to end the abuse of elephants at the Chitwan Elephant Festival has recently taken on a provocative form: a new shirt is now available in the PETA store with the stark message, "Hate Elephants? Come to Nepal!", directly inviting anyone who despises elephants. More merchandise is expected soon.

This new gear comes at a time when major sponsors, after receiving information from PETA, have cut ties with the Elephant Festival, causing reputational damage to the country, while the Nepal Tourism Board remains silent.

PETA's investigations have repeatedly shown that during the festival, mahouts (elephant handlers) force elephants to obey their commands, often to play football or engage in other activities, by beating and prodding them with weapons like ankuses (bullhooks), sticks, and sharp wooden knives. Disturbing video footage circulated by PETA showed one mahout prodding, kicking, and beating an elephant at least 64 times in front of spectators.

In another instance, a mahout was seen smiling while repeatedly prodding an elephant with a pointed stick, and another was seen hitting a young calf in the face with his elbow.

Many elephants were observed with deep, bloody wounds on their heads and ears. When not forced to participate in festival activities, the elephants were used for tourist photo opportunities or for giving forced rides.

"Elephants belong in the forest with their family members, not at a cruel festival where they're beaten, chained, and forced to play demeaning 'games'," says Jason Baker, PETA Senior Vice President.

"PETA's new merchandise will help people with compassion spread the message that tourists should stay away from Chitwan until the festival stops abusing animals and goes elephant-free."

On the eve of the most recent festival, actor, filmmaker, and PETA India director, John Abraham, wrote a letter to Nepal's then Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, urging him to end the animal abuse at the event.

Part of PETA’s founding motto, "Animals are not ours to use for entertainment," highlights the belief that every animal is someone, not something.