Elvira Pitzner, a well-known Danish influencer, has sparked controversy after sharing an Instagram post from her vacation in Thailand. The post shows her brushing an elephant’s forehead and trunk with a red brush at what she describes as an “elephant sanctuary.”
“During the night, they sleep in the wild jungle and come back for food and bathing during the day. How beautiful are these animals?” Pitzner wrote in the caption.
However, the post has drawn criticism from animal rights organization World Animal Protection, which argues that such interactions harm the animals.
Harm behind the scenes
“There is no freedom for these elephants in a life where tourists can get close enough to touch them,” the organization commented on Pitzner’s post.
They further explained that while experiences like bathing or riding elephants may appear harmless, they often mask a cruel industry where elephants are subjected to harsh treatment.
“Even if the site claims to have rescued the animals or operates as a sanctuary, if you can touch, ride, or bathe with elephants, it’s likely they’ve suffered significant mistreatment,” they wrote.
The organization urged Pitzner to delete her post, emphasizing that promoting such activities inadvertently endorses the exploitation of wild animals.
A recurring issue
This isn’t the first time a Danish celebrity has faced backlash for interacting with elephants in Thailand. In August 2024, makeup artist and hair stylist Dennis Knudsen received criticism after posting about a similar experience with his children. Initially defending his actions, Knudsen later removed his posts and apologized.
“I’m sorry if I offended anyone. I thought I had chosen a good sanctuary where elephants seemed well-treated,” Knudsen said at the time, adding that he loves animals and would never knowingly support their mistreatment.
Animal rights organizations continue to emphasize that wild animals should only be observed from a respectful distance. They encourage tourists to avoid facilities that allow physical contact with animals, as such interactions often perpetuate a harmful industry.
Pitzner has yet to respond to the criticism.
Read more from ScandAsia: Dennis Knudsen faces backlash over elephant interaction in Thailand
