The children painted illustrations of wild animals, including elephants, highlighting the stark contrast between life in natural habitats and captivity. They also participated in an extempore speech session, where they collectively emphasized that all wild animals, including elephants, must remain in the wild. The participants stressed that elephants kept at Amer Fort are not meant for rides or entertainment, but for a natural existence in their native ecosystems. The artworks created during the event are set to be submitted to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, urging adherence to the principle of keeping wildlife in the wild and calling for the immediate termination of elephant rides at Amer Fort, along with the retirement of captive elephants.
The World Environment Day event was organised by World Animal Protection in Jaipur on June 5, 2026, and included active participation from youth under the guidance of environmental advocates. During the event, elephants were described as vital ecosystem engineers responsible for maintaining and regenerating natural environments through seed dispersal, habitat clearing, and nutrient recycling. It was highlighted that elephants promote biodiversity by consuming large quantities of fruit, dispersing seeds through nutrient-rich dung, and enabling forest regeneration. Certain plant species were noted to depend on passage through an elephant’s digestive system for germination. Their movement through dense vegetation creates canopy gaps, supports tree growth, and enhances carbon absorption, while also forming natural pathways and water access points for smaller wildlife species.
The discussion also addressed the threats faced by elephants, including poaching for ivory, human-wildlife conflict, illegal capture for entertainment, and abusive training practices used to condition them for rides and performances. Organisers stressed that such practices compromise elephant welfare and violate their natural behavioral needs.
Speaking at the event, Tricia Croasdell, Chief Executive Officer of World Animal Protection, stated that elephants, like all wild animals, are not suited for close human interaction and belong in their natural habitats. She emphasized that while witnessing elephants in the wild is a valued experience, it must be done responsibly from a distance or within genuine sanctuaries. She urged the public to avoid exploitative wildlife tourism and to recognize signs of animal exploitation, including captive breeding and forced performances. She also acknowledged the participation of children in promoting the message of keeping wildlife wild, describing it as a significant contribution to awareness building.
Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India, reiterated that the elephant, recognized as India’s national heritage animal, belongs in the wild as an essential part of the ecosystem. He appealed to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan to take cognizance of the issue and respond to the voices of young participants by ending elephant rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur and facilitating the retirement of captive elephants.
For further information, the organisation provided contact details of Gajender Kumar Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection in India, including email gajenderksharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in and mobile number 9313333283.
The event concluded with a unified call for policy action, underscoring the urgent need to protect elephants, preserve ecological balance, and ensure that wildlife remains in its natural environment.
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