Electric Vehicles Will Replace Horses And Mules In Jordan's Ancient City Of Petra

The ancient city of Petra in Jordan. (Wikimedia Commons/Bernard Gagnon)

JAKARTA - You will find a different view when you visit the Ancient City of Petra in Jordan, where the horses and mules that are usually used by tourists in this area, will be replaced by electric vehicles.

Citing Euronews November 19, this change aims to improve animal welfare, while helping to conserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient City of Petra.

At least ten electric trains have replaced the 12 traditional animal-powered trains that transport tourists to the historic site. The move follows criticism over animal abuse.

Horses and mules have long pulled tourist carts through the Ancient City of Petra in Jordan. But in 2018, animal rights group PETA launched a campaign to end the mistreatment of the 1,300 working animals there. The group said horses and mules were frequently beaten, deprived of food, water and shelter.

"There is no pollution, no smoke and this choice has reduced the number of cases of animal abuse," said Head of the Regional Tourism Development Agency in Petra Suleiman Farajat.

Camel tours in the Ancient City of Petra, Jordan. (Wikimedia Commons/Diego Delso)

Meanwhile, PETA itself describes the project as an important first step towards protecting working animals. In addition, the project was also welcomed as it improves the accessibility of the site for people with limited mobility.

"People with disabilities, including those who have difficulty walking for a long time can now see this beautiful place," said Rudy, a 43-year-old Austrian tourist in a wheelchair.

Hundreds of animals, however, still work at the site. According to tourism authorities, the number of e-buggies could double in the future. But it depends on demand which is still low due to travel restrictions.

Horses and electric vehicles take tourists through the 'Siq' or rose-colored gorge that leads to the famous Nabatean capital, which dates back to the first century BC.

To note, carved from rock, the Ancient City of Petra is one of the wonders of the world that attracted more than a million visitors in 2019. Located in a remote valley, between sandstone mountains and cliffs. The Nabataeans, the Arabs, carved their dwellings, temples and tombs in sandstone.

Vehicles such as golf carts should also facilitate the conservation of the site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's main tourist attraction.