Elephant Nature Park
I’m all of a sudden super busy again. I basically haven’t seen the light of day over the last week because I’m doing some vital hotel fact checking. It’s important to know if there’s an elevator or a fitness centre in a hotel, it really is. It’s cooled down here in Denmark, so much so that some people are wearing jackets. The excruciating heat from a few weeks back was getting exhausting though, so I welcome the cool.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the plight of the Asian elephant since I returned from my trip to Thailand and I stumbled across the Elephant Nature Park. If you aren’t familiar with it, it’s a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Their purpose is to provide a sanctuary and a rescue centre for elephants.
Located in Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai province, the Elephant Nature Park has provided a sanctuary for over 30 distressed elephants. The saint/lady who runs this haven is Sangduen Chailert(Lek). However, despite her galiant efforts her views on the future of the Asian elephant are not very encouraging. She says that less land available will leave elephants begging in the cities. “They are facing a tough time and, if we don't do something now, the elephants won't be with us for much longer,” she insists.
If you wish to visit the park you must do so by appointment, so “walk-ins” are not welcomed. Check out some of their packages starting from 2,500 Baht (77 U.S. dollars per day.) Unlike other tours where the elephant serves us, these tours involve us servicing them, which includes feeding and bathing the elephants. If you can’t get to Thailand soon but would like to help anyhow, you may purchase a medical treatment for the elephants from their online store, don’t support elephant poachers by buying ivory products and just keep spreading the word.
