Authorities warn: Tourists feeding elephants are creating major problems

Tourists are often drawn to intimate wildlife encounters, and feeding animals seems like a dream come true. But new research from long‐term studies in Sri Lanka and India shows that it might not all be roses and unicorns: offering treats to wild elephants can spiral into danger for both humans and animals.

In and around Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park, elephants have begun to loiter near roadways and fences where tourists often feed them sweets and other high-sugar goodies. Over time, these animals start to expect food from people, rather than foraging naturally.

These incursions have led to serious consequences: some people have been hurt, and several elephants have died, often after ingesting plastic wrappers.

“These are formidable wild animals... it can end badly”

Biologists, including assistant professor Shermin de Silva, examined nearly two decades of data from Udawalawe. Their findings, published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, revealed that a substantial share of male elephants—up to around 15 percent—frequently engage in these food-seeking behaviours toward humans. One elephant, nicknamed “Rambo,” became especially well-known to locals and tourists for his bold habit of approaching people for treats. But this kind of attention isn’t good for the animals.

“Many people, especially foreign tourists, think Asian elephants are tame and docile, like domestic pets,” said de Silva. “They don’t realise these are formidable wild animals and try to get too close in order to take photographs or selfies, which can end badly for both parties.”

Despite the fact that people think they are helping by feeding the animals, it is not beneficial in any way for the animals: “But this encourages wild animals to seek food from people, attracting them to areas that can put themselves or people at risk,” de Silva explained.

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Parallel patterns emerged in India’s Sigur region, where eleven male elephants known to have been fed by visitors were monitored. Tragically, four of them later died, likely due to causes related to their interactions with people. The study also highlighted how the natural movement patterns of the elephants are changing due to their reliance on human beings who come bearing deadly gifts: “Such feeding can also cause animals to lose their ability to forage for themselves if the behavior becomes prevalent, especially with young animals,” Da Silva warned.

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