A Lady Freethinker investigation has documented elephants chained for hours, forced to wear elaborate costumes that cover their ears, and subjected to stressful conditions across Sri Lanka’s festivals and tourism attractions.
Our investigator found elephant welfare concerns at religious processions, tourist attractions, and captive elephant facilities across the country, uncovering troubling evidence of suffering endured by these intelligent, sensitive animals.
Chained for Festivals
Among the most concerning findings were conditions at an annual Perahera procession, where dozens of elephants were confined on short chains during the day before being dressed in decorative costumes and paraded through crowded city streets at night.
Perahera festivals have deep cultural and religious roots, with elephants traditionally serving as symbols of devotion. Today, however, captive elephants are transported from temples into noisy urban environments filled with traffic, blaring music, bright lights, performers carrying whips, and thousands of spectators.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Our investigator documented approximately 30 to 40 elephants chained in a city park for extended periods while awaiting the evening procession. Several displayed repetitive behaviors associated with psychological distress, while others had visible wounds and sores on their legs.
Costumes May Increase Heat Stress
Experts consulted during the investigation expressed concern about the ornate costumes worn during the festivals. Many garments cover the elephants’ ears, which are one of the primary ways they regulate body temperature.
In Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, restricting ear movement may cause significant discomfort and increase the risk of overheating. Welfare specialists said simple changes, including eliminating restrictive chains, providing regular access to water, and removing ear coverings, could dramatically improve conditions.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Tourist Attractions Raise Welfare Concerns
The investigation also uncovered welfare issues at elephant attractions, where captive elephants are used for rides and tourist washing experiences often marketed as ethical encounters.
Our investigator documented elephants with painful sores, damaged feet, and skin injuries. Many were chained when not interacting with tourists, sometimes on chains so short they could barely move. In some cases, elephants were forced to eat, sleep, and stand in the same confined area.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
At several locations, elephants were repeatedly scrubbed during tourist washing sessions and made to spend prolonged periods standing in water, practices experts say may contribute to skin and foot problems. Our investigator also observed aggressive handling by some mahouts.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Additional concerns were documented at an elephant “orphanage,” where elephants were marched through crowded public areas and chained during parts of their daily routines.
LFT Investigation/Aaron Gekoski
Wild Elephants Face Growing Threats
The investigation also highlighted threats facing Sri Lanka’s wild elephants. Near a national park, investigators documented elephants feeding at garbage dumps after habitat loss pushed them closer to human settlements. Some were seen consuming plastic and other waste while waiting for garbage trucks to arrive.
Take Action for Elephants
Lady Freethinker is calling on Sri Lankan authorities to strengthen protections for captive elephants, prohibit restrictive chains during festivals and tourist activities, and end the use of costumes that interfere with elephants’ natural ability to regulate body temperature.
Elephants are highly intelligent, social animals capable of experiencing pain, stress, and emotional suffering. They deserve respect and protection—not lives spent in chains for entertainment and tourist profits.
Please sign our petition urging Sri Lankan authorities to implement meaningful welfare reforms before more elephants suffer.
SIGN: End Cruel Elephant Chaining in Sri Lanka’s Festivals & Tourism
