At the Elephant Nature Park

The majestic elephant is revered by Thais, and nowhere is this more evident than here in Chiang Mai – their images are prominent in temples and serve as the focal point of many decorative wood carvings throughout the city.

However the elephant is also emblematic of the tourist scene in northern Thailand – with “elephant rides” sharing top billing with other ubiquitous draws like “long neck hill tribe treks”, “muay thai boxing lessons”, and “bamboo river rafting”. Sadly, these wonderful animals are frequently abused by their handlers, and often undernourished.

Rescued elephant with broken back from carrying tourists (photo from our trip today)

Worse still is the logging industry. Although banned in Thailand, the use of elephants to assist humans in their deforestation of vast swaths of teak jungles just across the border in Myanmar (Burma) is still widespread. Horrific treatment of these huge creatures has left many of them physically debilitated and traumatized.

Elephant foot injury from landmine during logging work in Burma (from our trip today)

So rather than participate in the problem, we wanted to see first-hand how some dedicated Thais are making a difference.

We spent the whole day at the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary in the hills north of Chiang Mai where a passionate team of employees and volunteers is providing abused elephants with a second chance – a life of freedom in a natural setting.

We spent much of the one hour drive from Chiang Mai watching an Animal Planet documentary about the elephant park and its founder, Lek, a tiny but dedicated Thai woman.

The sanctuary is beautifully situated in the scenic mountains, and we spent the entire day under the care of our guide, Ten.

Our visit began with a morning feeding, and all were welcome to offer up yummy fruits and veggies to the hungry animals. Owen, who is always willing to jump right in, had no problem following the proper feeding technique.

Annie eventually got the hang of it too.

And wow, can these elephants eat - the 37 animals go through about 4 tons of food per day!!

We spent the next hour walking the grounds of the sanctuary meeting several of the animals, many with heartbreaking stories - some elephants purposefully blinded (both eyes) as punishment, broken backs, mangled feet (landmines).

But there were also uplifting stories which suggest elephants may possess traits which go beyond most animals - like the blind elephant (above) who, upon arrival at the sanctuary several years ago, was 'adopted' by the other elephant who leads it around the grounds on walks and to feeding stations, never leaving its side.

Or baby elephants who get the help of a 'nanny' elephant when the mother is unable to produce milk - an elephant wet nurse - who would have known??

Someone is trying to sneak into our family photo - not sure we can take him home with us

Not too interested in dog poop, but somehow an elephant turd is worth a photo

Thailand Full Moon Party!!

By now the temperature had warmed up and we were getting pretty hungry - lunch was provided for all visitors but we were told at the beginning of the day that visitors get to eat what the elephants eat....

There you go Owen - those'll make you as big and strong as an elephant.

We weren't expecting much of a lunch, but were blown away by the spread they put on - an amazing variety of very tasty vegetarian dishes, enjoyed while looking out over the elephants at peace. 

Then came a treat for both humans and animals.....

....water fight!!

We all had an opportunity to get up close and personal, bathing and rubbing down these huge creatures, giving both of us a chance to cool off.

And for the ones too old or lame to go down to the river, like this 80 year old grandma elephant (the oldest at the sanctuary), they were given their baths by hose.

And judging from the kisses we got (mine was a wet one!!), the elephants were very appreciative.

They were sharing the love with Owen, too.

The sanctuary also rescues other animals, including water buffalo, dogs and cats. Annie saw this sign and is now already planning her next trip to Thailand!!

By late afternoon it was time to go, but not everyone was happy about it, especially when I told Annie that there are options where you can choose to stay at the park overnight or even volunteer for one-week stretches. She was definitely not ready to leave.

They say an elephant never forgets – but sometimes it goes both ways – I’m sure we’ll remember our day with the elephants at the Elephant Nature Park for a very long time. It feels very rewarding to know that our travel money is supporting rescuing, feeding and caring for these gentle giants.