Gemma Annan started Thailand Elephant in order to guide tourists to ethical attractions

Gemma Annan, 32, from Taunton, started Thailand Elephant alongside her sister Alix, childhood friend Claire Horton, who is also from Taunton, Kerri McCrea and Jade Clayson.

Thailand Elephants became a registered charity in August 2016 and it works to educate tourists in Thailand about the most ethical attractions to visit while people are on their travels.

Miss Annan, who studied wildlife conservation at Salford University, said: “I have always had a passion for wildlife.

“Thailand Elephants is dedicated to giving captive elephants a voice.

“By raising awareness and funds, the charity helps elephants avoid a lifetime of suffering and empowers tourists to help by choosing safe and ethical elephant attractions.”

Gemma Annan and elephant Mana in a safe and ethical setting. The charity does not endorse selfies with elephants.

As well as educating tourists, the charity hopes to enable elephants to return to the forest to live a semi-wild life.

Miss Annan added: “Thanks to volunteer and visitor funding and sponsorship, working elephants are now being given the opportunity to retire early. On projects such as Kindred Spirit Elephants Sanctuary, that was set up by one of our trustees Kerri McCrea, elephants now spend their daily lives wandering through the forest foraging and playing.

“They are still cared for by their mahouts (elephant keepers) and visited by volunteers but they no longer have to perform.

“If only tourists knew what working elephants endured behind the scenes, perhaps they wouldn’t be so keen to tick elephant riding off their bucket list.”

Claire Horton and elephant Lulu

The group want tourists to know the kind of torture some of the elephants go through before learning the tricks that draw in the crowds. In order to be submissive enough to learn how to walk a tightrope, take a selfie with people on the street, or take tourists on rides, they have to be beaten at a young age until they are too scared to misbehave.

Elephants performing at a zoo in Sri Lanka. The charity hopes to return elephants back to the forrest to live semi-wild lives. 

An organised march will be taking place on Saturday, November 19, in Exeter for those wishing to learn about elephant wellbeing, the ivory trade, and how to ethically enjoy elephants abroad.

For more information visit www.thailandelephants.org.