Wildlife NGO alleges cruelty to elephants in BBP; officials deny the allegations

The Elsa Foundation has submitted a representation to senior officials of the Karnataka government, zoo and forest departments seeking to end the alleged cruelty faced by an elephant at an elephant safari run by the Bannerghatta Biological Park. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Elsa Foundation, a conservation and animal welfare charity, has submitted a statement to senior officials of the Karnataka government, zoo and forest department in a bid to end the alleged cruelty faced by an elephant at an elephant safari run by the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).

Authorities have since denied allegations of cruelty.

In a letter to Chief Conservationist and Vice Chairman, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, Member Secretary of Zoo Authority of Karnataka and Executive Director of BBP, Prakash, founder of Elsa Foundation, said that during field observations conducted over several days and at different times of the day, representatives of the organization repeatedly observed elephants being subjected to violence by visitors while standing in extreme heat and direct sunlight.

“The organization stated that there was no shade or natural tree cover in the exhibit area and that the animals were unable to move away from the heat as they were tethered or otherwise controlled by the mahouts. The observations indicate that this practice is not an isolated occurrence but a routine feature of the safari operation. The organization also documented that multiple elephants and older elephants were subjected to the same conditions,” the organization said.

“Repeatedly exposing elephants to extreme summer temperatures without shade is totally unacceptable, very cruel and needs to be addressed immediately,” Mr Prakash said.

It called on the authorities concerned to immediately stop forced exhibitions of elephants under extreme temperature conditions, eliminate practices that prevent elephants from moving freely, build permanent shelters and other infrastructure necessary to protect elephants from adverse weather conditions, comprehensive review of elephant care and welfare procedures on safari, and special protection measures for calves, older elephants and other vulnerable animals.

‘Incorrect in fact’

In response, Surya Sen AV, Executive Director, BBP, said the organisation’s observations are factually incorrect, misleading and appear to have been drawn from isolated visual impressions without understanding the established management practices followed in the park.

“The allegation that elephants are subjected to cruel treatment or forced display throughout the day is completely baseless and does not reflect the actual management practices followed at BBP. Animal welfare remains the park’s highest priority and all management protocols are carried out under veterinary supervision and in accordance with established welfare and safety standards,” Mr Sen said in his letter.

Published – 1 Jun 2026 23:27 IST