Abstract:
Tourism is a significant aspect of most ex-situ conservation establishments
for Asian Elephants. We assessed reasons for visitor discontent in five highly visited
establishments in Asia, by analysing on-line visitor comments. The proportion of negative
reviews varied significantly between institutions. Ten reasons for visitor discontent were
identified. Unethical treatment of elephants was the commonest and lack of conservation
relevance the second commonest reason stated for discontent. Other reasons for visitor
discontent were related to misbehaviour of mahouts, management deficiencies and
inadequacy of facilities.
