Mahouts race their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival in Vietnam's central highlands of Dak Lak province, March 12, 2019. 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in this part of Vietnam -- but conservation groups are calling for an end to the festival, which they say is cruel and outdated. (Photo/Agencies)
Mahouts race their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival in Vietnam's central highlands of Dak Lak province, March 12, 2019. 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in this part of Vietnam -- but conservation groups are calling for an end to the festival, which they say is cruel and outdated. (Photo/Agencies)
Mahouts race their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival in Vietnam's central highlands of Dak Lak province, March 12, 2019. 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in this part of Vietnam -- but conservation groups are calling for an end to the festival, which they say is cruel and outdated. (Photo/Agencies)
Mahouts race their elephants during the Buon Don elephant festival in Vietnam's central highlands of Dak Lak province, March 12, 2019. 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in this part of Vietnam -- but conservation groups are calling for an end to the festival, which they say is cruel and outdated. (Photo/Agencies)