Nepal
Traditions and religious festivals
Gadhimai is the name of one of the Hindu goddesses of energy, although the term generally refers to the greatest animal sacrifice in the world which is carried out in a site near the Gadhimai temple in Terai, Nepal. The animals are slaughtered as part of the Hindu festival, hoping that the sacrifice will make the goddess fulfil the wishes that are requested. It is estimated that more than 250,000 animals were killed during the sacrifice in 2009, and that 5 million people visited Gadhimai during the festival. This barbaric tradition takes place every five years and officials the Government officials of Nepal say they cannot stop it despite pressure from animal rights activists in Nepal and India. More information.
Bird Watching in the Kathmandu Valley
More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the Kathmandu Valley alone. In addition, wetlands and open fields create a varied habitat for many bird species in the valley. The most popular observation point is Phulchoki Hill, the highest peak of the valley located 20 km southeast of Kathmandu, where, to date, about 265 different species have been recorded. More information about birdwatching.
Fortune teller parrots
Parrots are used by fortune tellers in Nepal to predict the future. Birds are illegally captured from the wild and their wings and tail feathers are cut to make them unable to fly. Many of them do not survive the trauma of capture, transport and training methods. More information.
Snake charmers
The "snake charmers" force the snakes to dance to the rhythm of their music. After capturing the snakes from the wild, their fangs are removed without pain relievers, sometimes their mouths are sewn shut (leaving only a small hole for the animals to take in water or milk), and their poison ducts are often pierced with hot needles. These animals live for a short time and their death is usually slow and painful. More information.
Elephants and tourism
The Nepalese government breeds elephants for tourist activities. In captivity, these animals suffer serious health problems and a high mortality rate. The calves are separated from their mothers at an early age and trained through violent methods to act submissively in front of man. In addition, during different activities, the Mahouts ensure that the elephants comply with their orders by hitting them with sticks that have hook endings in their most sensitive areas (eyes and ears). A particularly “traditional” tourist activity in this sense is to cross the river that runs through the Chitwan National Park. In the same park, there is even a hotel (the Elephant Camp Hotel) that sells trips on the backs of these animals. Fortunately, ethical alternatives do exist and there are several operators who already offer to do this tour by canoe or by jeep to avoid encouraging the exploitation of these animals. More information on the subject.
Elephant polo
Elephant polo may seem like a fun sport, but remember that it is a completely anti-natural activity for these animals. As in the case of elephant rides, shows and bathing with tourists, these elephants have been trained with cruel and violent methods. And this is why it is so important for tourists not to participate in any activity involving these animals.
Another very important event in this country is the Sauraha International Elephant Festival, which is held every December by the very Minister of Tourism. During this event, among other things, animals are forced to perform in totally unnatural activities such as competing in races and playing soccer. More information.
Dancing bears
In some areas of Nepal, bears are still used as a tourist attraction either by “dancing” or taking photos with tourists. Usually captured from the wild when they are still cubs, their teeth and claws are torn off and their noses or cheeks are pierced with metal rings or directly with a rope to be able to control them through pain. These animals are usually trained with heat plates so that they associate the music with burning, and by avoiding the pain of pulling the strings attached to their snouts, they look as if they are dancing.
It is very important for tourists not to agree to take pictures with them or pay to attend this type of show. More information.
Stray animals
There are large numbers of stray animals in Nepal, which often live in very bad conditions. The stray cat and dog populations are controlled by unregulated mass slaughter which usually involves very cruel slaughter methods. If you find these animals, you can help them by giving them some food or water, but avoiding close contact with them in order to avoid contagious illnesses. Before traveling you can find the contacts of local animal protection NGOs to inform them in case you find very ill animals or victims of animal abuse, or in case you want to make a donation. More information.
Yak treks
Yaks live in the Himalayan zone, and because their blood has three times more oxygen than other animals of the same size have, they can climb up to 6,000 meters high. This, together with their large size, results in the use of these animals for trekking with tourists, among other things. Unfortunately, they are often overloaded and, above all, they are forced to move by pulling on a hoop that pierces their snout.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Nepal:
Society for animal welfare and management
Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals Nepal
Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre
HART, Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust
Recommended rescue centers:
Free The Elefants Volunteer Project
