I admit it, the first few times in Thailand, we did it wrong. With better knowledge over the years, highlighted by a visit to the Elephant Nature Park, we no longer ride elephants while visiting SE Asia, but instead spend our money contributing to organizations that advocate for them.
Seeing these majestic creatures living in harmony with their handlers and volunteers is so much better than contributing to possible abuse.
Elephant Nature Park is the first elephant sanctuary of it’s kind in Asia focusing on rescuing and caring for elephants who were abused previously in their lives as street performers, circus animals, and elephant riding for tourists.
The Founder
It was founded by Saengduean Chailert, better known as Lek. Lek’s interest in elephants began as a youngster, working alongside her grandpa, who was known as a healer. After years of seeing how many were abused and mistreated in the tourist industry, she began providing medical aid to those living in remote villages.
How it began.
By the 1990’s she had begun rescuing injured, neglected, and elderly elephants, establishing Elephant Nature Park in 2003.
Over the years, her tireless commitment to saving these gentle giants has earned her numerous accolades, including being one of Time Magazine’s Heroes of Asia in 2005, and receiving honors from both Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, as well as President Macron of France, among others.
How to Visit
Today, the Elephant Nature Park is a leading conservation example, and people flock to visit from around the world. It is possible to volunteer at the park, something we’re interested in on a later trip, or take a morning or afternoon tour of the facilities.
For more involved visits, you can book an overnight stay, or choose one of the options that is more interactive in the care and feeding of the parks residents.
The DOGS!
In addition to elephants, the Nature Park has rescued and is home to several hundred dogs. As huge dog lovers, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing them lounging on the numerous beds scattered throughout the facility. Many of the pups are friendly and happy to greet guests. Those that are a bit more nervous, or reactive, wear red bandanas to warn visitors not to attempt to pet them.
The Tour
We chose to do the half-day afternoon tour, wishing to see the elephants walking back to the park via the river at the end of the day. Around noon, we met at the park’s office just a few blocks down from Awana House. After picking up a few more participants, we drove a little over an hour to the park.
It was simply spectacular. Seeing how the mahouts had a special connection with their charges. Seeing how pack-like the herd was, each having a special friend or two.
We got a tour of the facility, meeting some volunteers who were prepping the massive amounts of veg and foliage required to feed the residents, and petting some of the rescue dogs.
Next, we headed out with our guide into the enclosures to get up close and personal. Just not too close!
We learned about many of their stories of years of toil and abuse, and were lucky enough to be there when some of the group headed down to the river to splash happily in the water.
A delicious vegan lunch buffet was included in the price, followed by a bit of time simply enjoying the views from one of several riverside lounges.
Around 5:00 pm, we were driven back to our hotel, our minds rich with memories of the amazing work that goes on at the Nature Pak.
