A tragic incident occurred at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in southern Thailand when a Spanish tourist, Blanca Ojanguren García, was killed by a "panic-stricken" elephant while bathing the animal. The 23-year-old law and international relations student, who was on exchange in Taiwan, was reportedly gored to death by the elephant's trunk during a bathing activity with several tourists present (source: CBS News).

According to local police, the incident raised concerns regarding the ethics of animal interactions in tourism, with the elephant allegedly stressed from the presence of tourists. Jaran Bangprasert, the local police chief, stated, "A female tourist was killed while bathing an elephant." Activists have long argued that engaging elephants in such activities can cause the animals considerable distress, undermining their natural behaviors and mental well-being (source: BBC).

Officials reported that the Koh Yao Centre offers packages allowing tourists to prepare food for elephants, walk with them, and experience what is marketed as "elephant care." These experiences range from approximately 1,900 to 2,900 baht ($55 to $85) and attract numerous visitors keen on close encounters with these majestic creatures. Nevertheless, the ongoing concern surrounding animals held for tourism purposes raises questions about their living conditions and treatment.

Despite the popularity of bathing elephants among tourists in Thailand, animal rights organizations assert that many elephants endure severe conditions, which can lead to tragic events like this. The World Animal Protection organization has emphasized that the ethical implications of using elephants for tourism should be carefully reconsidered, advocating for stricter regulations to ensure the welfare of these intelligent animals. In the past 12 years, over 227 incidents involving elephants leading to human fatalities have been reported, indicating that while such encounters may be rare in sanctioned environments, the potential for harm remains significant (source: CBS News).

This incident is a wake-up call for both tourists and tourism operators to prioritize animal welfare and safety in their activities. The Spanish government has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to García's family in the aftermath of this tragedy.