Day with The Elephants Part I

A few friends recommended that we visit the Elephant Nature Park just 90 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was definitely one of our best excursions so far. It’s an elephant conservation park that looks to rescue injured or abandoned elephants, take care of them and give them a sanctuary with the goal of releasing them back into the jungle (wild). The stories of some of these elephants are quite sad - one elephant named Jokia was blinded by its handler because she stopped working after having a still birth. Apparently he used a sling-shot to her face to get her to obey. But, now she is living happily in the elephant sanctuary.

Needless to say, it was a wonderful experience. We learned a lot about the harmful treatment of domesticated elephants here in Thailand. We didn’t realize that by riding elephants here you’re supporting the very same people who often use inhumane tactics to “break” the elephants into submission.

Beyond the educational part of the day we got to interact firsthand with the elephants participating in all elements of their daily routines at the park. We hand-fed them clusters of bananas, squash and corn right from their trunks. Then we took them to the river where we helped bathe them using buckets and scrub brushes. Many people come to the park and volunteer for a week. It costs roughly $50 per night - room and board included. But they put you to work helping with the chores and playing with the elephants. If you’re ever looking for a neat adventure in Thailand this is the thing to do!

Do you know the difference between an Asian and African Elephant? Asian elephants are much smaller in size and they have smaller ears and more toenails than their African friends.