Guest guest Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 Safety concerns must come first-New Straits Times 02 Mar 2007 TUNKU YUSUF JEWA, Kota Baru MY attention was drawn to the report " A gentle ride on the wild side " (NST, Feb 23) showing three young children riding on the back of an elephant. This picture was taken at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park near Kota Kinabalu. I saw the children clinging to one another without a proper harness. Despite being escorted by two mahouts, I must say it is still a very dangerous ride as a slip could cause the children to go off balance and land on their heads. For a safe ride on the back of an elephant, take a cue from the Rose Garden in Bangkok where a special saddle or basket is strapped to the back of the elephant, providing a safe ride for its riders. I hope the Wildlife and National Parks Department will provide such safety measures to avoid any untoward incidents. For parents visiting the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, it is best to think twice before allowing their children to go up on the elephants. We are told that the elephant rides are so popular that the park is even considering bringing in substitutes in the form of domesticated buffaloes. Good heavens, no! The buffaloes could easily be spooked and bolt away with the children. It could well end up in a stampede of sorts. Well, what is next? A (tame) crocodile ride? I hope the authorities from the Wildlife and National Parks Department will not come up with more wild ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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