Photos: Vietnam’s elephant race draws cheers and critics

Normally held every two years, the Buon Don elephant festival -- a major tourist event in Vietnam's central highlands -- features football matches, swimming sessions, a parade and a buffet for the animals, topped off with a highly anticipated race on the event's final two days. This year’s festival drew hundreds of cheering spectators as well as animal activists who say the elephants shouldn't be forced to work long hours under the hot sun, and then beaten with sticks during the race.

Updated on: Mar 14, 2019 9:43 AM IST

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An aerial photo shows mahouts racing their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival in Vietnam’s central highlands of Dak Lak province. Among them was mahout Y Hoi Bya, sat atop his elephant, whacking him with a large stick to urge him toward the finish line. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Mahouts train their elephant on the eve of the race. Locals say the race is a celebration of the much-revered animals -- traditionally thought of as family members in this part of Vietnam -- but conservation groups are calling for an end to the festival, which they say is cruel and outdated. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Y Hoi Bya rides his elephant, named Kham Sinh. Y Hoi said his animal’s successes in the popular race has earned him and his pet pride of place in his village in central Dak Lak, home to many of Vietnam’s elephants. “He often wins first place in the running competition in Dak Lak,” said the 38-year-old, who started caring for elephants as a young boy. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Mahouts prepare their elephants before the race. The festival drew hundreds of cheering spectators as well as animal activists who say the elephants shouldn’t be forced to work long hours under the hot sun, and then beaten with sticks during the race. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Mahouts race their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival. Y Hoi’s efforts appeared to have worked: he rode Kham Sinh to victory, beating out 10 others for the top prize of $130. But criticism wasn’t far behind: “That is one of the highest levels of animal cruelty, especially because it’s entertainment,” said Dionne Slagter of the NGO Animals Asia. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Mahouts and elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival. Slatger was happy to see fewer elephants take part in this year’s festivities -- just 14 from dozens in years past -- but hopes authorities adopt a more ethical approach to animal tourism in the future. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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Competitors during a river swimming race during the Buon Don elephant festival. Animals Asia last year launched Vietnam’s first ethical elephant tours, offering guests a chance to see the animals which the NGO rescued roaming in the national park. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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A Vietnamese woman looks on at mahouts atop their elephants. More than 80 elephants in Vietnam are still kept in captivity, usually used for elephant rides -- backbreaking work that has rendered most infertile today. The 100-150 wild elephants have also shown little promise of boosting their numbers. (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)

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A Vietnamese man and his daughter look at an elephant during the Buon Don elephant festival. The festival left some spectators like Vu Tran Minh Anh with mixed feelings. “I didn’t think elephants could do so many things like play football, run and swim,” the student told AFP. “But I do feel sorry for the elephants.” (Manan Vatsyayana / AFP)