A tourist’s joy is an elephant’s pain

Caved in: Made to carry up to six tourists at a time for 25 years of her life, Pai Lin’s spine has suffered irreversible damage. — The Straits Times/ANN

Elephants – the world’s largest land mammals – are known for their strength. As working animals, they haul heavy loads and also provide elephant rides.

One elephant is suffering permanent damage to its back, following years of carrying tourists.