February 1, 2016 - After much research and recommendations from friends we decided to visit the Elephant Nature Park about an hour ride outside of Chiang Mai. This is an elephant sanctuary that rescues and cares for elephants that have been mistreated, abused, overworked and injured. The center provides education about elephants and allows guests to interact with the animals on different levels depending on the type of visit that is selected.
We visited the park for a single day and really enjoyed learning about the background of all the elephants we met. We were also fortunate enough to start to see and understand their individual personalities. We got to know and love an elephant named Popcorn (nickname Pop) and we also experienced the spirited temperament male elephant Jungle Boy. We helped prepare their food, feed them and bathe them in the river. ..then we just spent time hanging out with them. It was really a great day. Our guide, Bee, was so knowledgeable, and has been working at the park for 7 years.
They really are doing a great job at this park, not everywhere do you see the interest of the animals being genuinely put first.
They really are doing a great job at this park, not everywhere do you see the interest of the animals being genuinely put first.
Elephant Nature Park Mission Statement
- Sanctuary for endangered species: We provide homes for these animals as well as contributing to their welfare and development.
- Rain Forest Restoration: One of the most exciting developments at the park is our programme of tree planting the surrounding area. The ecological balance of plants and animals will be encouraged by the re-introduction of the rain forest. Some 25 acres of the mountainside will be planted every year for the first 5 years.
- Cultural Preservation: To maintain, as much as possible, the cultural integrity of the local community. By creating employment and purchasing agricultural products locally we are assisting the villagers in sustaining their distinct culture. Park managers are recruited locally to oversee the park’s progress.
- Visitors Education : To educate visitors, individuals, study groups, schools and interested parties. Emphasis on the plight of the endangered local species will be presented in an entertaining and constructive manner. Future phases will include audio / visual equipment and other modern educational aids. It is anticipated that small conferences and workshops will be organised at the park.
- Act independently : of pressure groups and political movements that we consider contrary to the well being of the park and the creatures in its care.
Meeting the elephants - Good Morning!
This is a beautiful park.
Walking around the park, meeting some of the elephants. It was bizarre at first, because we have been used to seeing these animals behind big barriers and in enclosures in zoos.
The medicine room. Where the elephants are treated and cared for. It's a huge outdoor room with a roof for shade and shelter from rain, but open on three sides.
Banana tree - being prepared for the elephants to eat. The workers remove the outer layer of the tree which is tough and not very appealing for the elephants...
A shrine built to protect and show respect to the tree. I loved the drive to the nature park. The roads were lined with forests and all the largest trees had golden pieces of cloth tied around them. We found out that this was to protect the trees from being cut down. The cloth was tied around the trees by monks, and those working in the forest will respect the trees as sacred.
Bath time! The elephant munched on whole watermelons, as we gave her a bath,
What an experience!
Preparing food for the elephants...a mixture of rice, coconut, pumpkin and bananas...
Forming the mixture into big balls, for easy feeding of the elephants.
Bon apetit!
