In case you’re contemplating going to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, I’m right here to let you know that it was a bucket record second I’ll always remember. There are many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, however this one presents a singular alternative to attach with these majestic creatures in a cruelty-free atmosphere.
Curious what it’s like? We’ll be diving deep into ENP’s historical past, what a typical day go to includes (spoiler alert: it’d contain mud!), assembly the superb elephant herd, and a few prime suggestions for planning your go to.
The Story of Elephant Nature Park
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation camp based within the late Nineteen Nineties by Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, a lifelong elephant advocate, and Adam Flinn, who ran an ecotourism firm. This moral sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ well-being, specializing in statement and avoiding using or exhibits.
Observe: You won’t be able to journey the elephants and so they gained’t be performing any “methods”. There are too many horror tales in regards to the coaching methods for these. Did you see Water for Elephants? I’m not saying that every one trekking or ellie present corporations are dangerous, however the Elephant Nature Park is a spot the place the elephants are rewarded for good conduct, not punished for dangerous.
These animals have usually endured harsh situations, and right here they get to dwell freely in social teams, bathe in mud wallows, and principally be elephants! Plus, the park isn’t nearly elephants. They look after all kinds of rescued animals, like canine, cats, and even buffalos, and your go to helps assist their unimaginable work.
What to Anticipate From a Day Go to
The day begins with an hour-long journey from town middle. The park even picked me up proper from my resort – main factors for comfort! Alongside the way in which, although, a number of trekking corporations have a few of their elephants tied whereas awaiting for his or her subsequent expedition.
After which, the fields open up with limitless stretches of inexperienced and there’s the attractive sight of ellies roaming free. That’s after I knew I had arrived to Elephant Nature Park.
We began the day with an informative tour of the grounds and an introduction to its animal residents. They’re an eclectic bunch; some previous, some younger, some blind, some injured from working within the logging business, some abused and a few rescued from the circus. All stunning.
It was fascinating (and unhappy) to find out about their particular person tales and the park’s mission to offer them with a secure and wholesome sanctuary.
Afterward, it’s time to refuel for lunch. The elephants obtained to take pleasure in baskets filled with fruits (fed to them by the guests!) whereas we loved a scrumptious and numerous vegan buffet lunch (assume yummy Asian and worldwide flavors!).
Again once we visited, Pete and I have been capable of expertise bathing the elephants ourselves. However since then, they let the elephants bathe themselves with none customer interplay to allow them to dwell their lives as naturally as doable (watching them frolic within the mud continues to be a fairly particular sight to see, to be sincere.)
The park then took us again to Chiang Mai and dropped me off proper at my resort. It was the right solution to spend a day, studying about these unimaginable creatures and supporting their well-being.
Meet the Herd
There’s nothing fairly like coming face-to-trunk with a rescued elephant on the park. These light giants, over 100 sturdy, roam freely right here, forming deep bonds with one another in household herds. It’s unimaginable to see! The Kham La herd, the park’s greatest bunch (consisting of round 9+ elephants), is kind of a sight.
Watching them work together – from playful nudges to shared mud baths – is a heartwarming reminder of their intelligence and social nature. Understanding these elephants are lastly secure from abuse makes the expertise much more particular. Belief me, this isn’t your common elephant encounter – it’s a bucket record second you gained’t overlook!
Ideas for Visiting
Elephants splashing in mud? Test. Feeding a ellie some yummy treats? Test and test! This park is a dream come true for anybody who’s ever needed to attach with these superb creatures. Listed below are some issues I discovered to make your go to even higher:
- Finest Time: The dry season (November – April) presents nice climate for out of doors actions. Nevertheless, the park welcomes guests year-round.
- Gown comfortably: Pack comfortable garments and footwear with good tread – you may be strolling by some gentle mud to satisfy the elephants. Don’t overlook a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle to remain cool.
- Respect the animals: Elephant Nature Park locations a excessive worth on the welfare of elephants. Remind your self that these are wild creatures and that it is best to at all times abide by the park’s guidelines when participating with them.
- Present your appreciation: The guides at Elephant Nature Park are extremely educated and passionate (plus they take numerous good footage and movies!) You’ll be able to categorical your gratitude to them for making your keep so memorable by leaving them a tip.
- Pricing: Elephant Nature Park presents numerous packages with totally different pricing buildings, like half-day, single day, and even in a single day. A single day go to usually prices round 3,500 THB ($90 USD), with a 50% low cost for kids.
Visiting the Elephant Nature Park was one adventurous day, and a reminiscence will final a lifetime. No using. No exhibits. Simply rescued elephants doing issues they need to have been doing ever since: being elephants.
You’ll get to witness their light nature firsthand, find out about their previous, and even assist (or ought to I say, a bucket?) with their day by day care. It’s a bucket record expertise that goes past the enjoyable – it’s a heartwarming expertise that’s equal elements academic and unforgettable.
