“So Unethical” — Groom Riding An Elephant During Wedding Sparks Public Anger

The National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, had banned elephant riding activities to the public since 2012.

In Brief

A viral video of a groom riding an elephant at his wedding sparked widespread public anger on social media.
The NECC banned public elephant riding since 2012, raising questions over why the activity still occurs at weddings.
The incident adds to growing tensions around elephant conservation in Malaysia, following controversy over three elephants sent to Japan.

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Elephants are among many protected animals in Malaysia under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

In efforts to protect them, many of the gentle giants are placed in conservation centres such as the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) in Kuala Gandah, Pahang, and the Kenyir Elephant Cultural Village in Terengganu.

However, there is some “leniency” in enforcement at times, and unethical activities involving elephants in Malaysia still occur.

Viral video shows groom riding an elephant at his wedding ceremony

A video showing what looks like a groom riding an elephant on his wedding day went viral on social media recently.

Many expressed their anger after seeing the footage of the groom sitting on the elephant’s back while being escorted down the aisle.

While there has been no verification to date, It’s understood that the elephant is named Sanum, a 20-year-old trained female elephant under the care of the NECC.

Decorations were placed on the elephant’s head and body, while the groom sat on a chair that was attached to the animal’s back.

View on Threads

An individual on Facebook claimed that the wedding ceremony was organised by a VIP for her daughter. They also claimed that the titled individual often made donations to the NECC, and is well known for being the guardian of a baby elephant named Tanjung.

Many agreed that elephants are not for riding

Looking to the comments section, many expressed their anger and dissatisfaction towards the groom who rode the elephant.

The public also questioned why no one who attended the wedding raised the issue while they were there.

A majority of social media users agreed that elephants should not be ridden by anyone, and that the act is against international ethics.

One person also expressed their embarrassment as a Malaysian citizen when compared to neighbouring country Thailand.

There were also those who questioned the scope of duties of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), given that an elephant was involved in wedding customs.

NECC does not allow riding elephants

Since 2012, the NECC does not allow elephant riding activities to the public, and only elephant keepers known as mahouts are allowed to ride them.

However, elephants are still being used in wedding ceremonies to carry a bride and groom, as reported by Utusan in August 2025.

The tradition of parading a bride and groom on the back of an elephant was once a Malay palace custom as a symbol of supremacy or majesty during a royal wedding.

This most recent viral incident has raised concerns over why elephants are used to carry a couple through their wedding ceremony despite the act of riding elephants being banned to the public.

The situation of elephant conservation in Malaysia has been tense

Elephant and wildlife conservation activists, as well as the general public, have been up in arms since March, after three elephants from the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari in Perak were sent to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan.

Many were angry when the news broke out, voicing their concerns over Amoi, Dara, and Kelat’s welfare in a foreign country where the climate, diet, and environment are significantly different than their home here in Malaysia.

Although a number of mahouts are stationed at Tennoji Zoo to oversee proper care for the elephants, Malaysians have still been calling for their return.

Earlier, we reported that member of the Perak State Executive Council, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, said the transfer was a collaboration between the Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, Tennoji Zoo, and PERHILITAN since 2022.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, X, Instagram, or Threads.

Shahril Bahrom

Shahril Bahrom is a Malaysian digital journalist known for his work with The Rakyat Post and World Of Buzz, covering social issues, technology, pop culture, and viral online trends. His writing combines accessible storytelling with strong awareness of Malaysian internet culture, often focusing on topics that resonate across social media and public discourse. Known for a conversational yet informative style, he specialises in digital-first journalism, human-interest stories, and trend-driven reporting that bridges mainstream news with contemporary online conversations.