Elephants, majestic symbols of Southeast Asia’s tourism industry, often endure a hidden cruelty. Baby elephants ripped from their families face unimaginable suffering to cater to tourist desires for selfies and rides.

The truth behind elephant tourism is far from the idyllic scenes promoted. Ignorance and profit fuel a cycle of abuse. There’s no ethical elephant ride, show, or “art” – it’s all about exploiting these intelligent creatures for money.

The ordeal begins before tourists ever mount an elephant’s back. Poachers brutally capture wild elephants, luring them into deadly traps and slaughtering protective mothers for easier access to calves. These babies, worth a staggering $33,000, face a horrific fate.

Once captive, a barbaric tradition called the Phajaan crushes their spirits. For seven days, these youngsters are subjected to relentless beatings, burning, and sleep deprivation – all to break their will and force submission.