Go see the elephant in the wild

More and more Chinese tourists are excluding elephant rides and shows from their itineraries and instead going on animal-friendly tours

Wan Fei will spend her winter vacation with her husband and 5-year-old son in Thailand, a relatively warm and friendly place and a popular destination for Chinese tourists, particularly in the winter. Searching online for hotels and services specially designed for parents with children, she focused on two travel agencies, and finally picked the one that did not offer animal entertainment, elephant rides for example, a favorite of tourists visiting Thailand.

Working as an accountant in Beijing, the 35-year-old Wan is also a member of a nongovernmental animal charity group that helps rescue stray cats and dogs in the city, as well as raises funds for their medical treatment and upkeep, and finds them homes.

"I will not spend money on animal entertainment," she said."Although I have never taken an elephant ride, I can imagine how an elephant suffers, particularly when it is forced to learn to follow the mahout's instructions.