In case you’re contemplating going to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, I’m right here to inform you that it was a bucket checklist second I’ll always remember. There are many elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, however this one presents a novel alternative to attach with these majestic creatures in a cruelty-free surroundings.
Curious what it’s like? We’ll be diving deep into ENP’s historical past, what a typical day go to includes (spoiler alert: it would contain mud!), assembly the superb elephant herd, and a few high ideas for planning your go to.
The Story of Elephant Nature Park
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation camp based within the late Nineteen Nineties by Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, a lifelong elephant advocate, and Adam Flinn, who ran an ecotourism firm. This moral sanctuary prioritizes the elephants’ well-being, specializing in commentary and avoiding driving or reveals.
Observe: You won’t be able to journey the elephants and so they gained’t be performing any “methods”. There are too many horror tales in regards to the coaching strategies for these. Did you see Water for Elephants? I’m not saying that each one trekking or ellie present corporations are unhealthy, however the Elephant Nature Park is a spot the place the elephants are rewarded for good habits, not punished for unhealthy.
These animals have typically endured harsh circumstances, and right here they get to dwell freely in social teams, bathe in mud wallows, and mainly be elephants! Plus, the park isn’t nearly elephants. They take care of all kinds of rescued animals, like canines, cats, and even buffalos, and your go to helps help their unbelievable work.
What to Count on From a Day Go to
The day begins with an hour-long journey from town heart. The park even picked me up proper from my lodge – main factors for comfort! Alongside the best way, although, a number of trekking corporations have a few of their elephants tied whereas awaiting for his or her subsequent expedition.
After which, the fields open up with infinite stretches of inexperienced and there’s the beautiful sight of ellies roaming free. That’s once I knew I had arrived to Elephant Nature Park.
We began the day with an informative tour of the grounds and an introduction to its animal residents. They’re an eclectic bunch; some outdated, some younger, some blind, some injured from working within the logging trade, some abused and a few rescued from the circus. All lovely.
It was fascinating (and unhappy) to study their particular person tales and the park’s mission to offer them with a protected and wholesome sanctuary.
Afterward, it’s time to refuel for lunch. The elephants acquired to get pleasure from baskets stuffed with fruits (fed to them by the guests!) whereas we loved a scrumptious and various vegan buffet lunch (assume yummy Asian and worldwide flavors!).
Again after we visited, Pete and I have been capable of expertise bathing the elephants ourselves. However since then, they let the elephants bathe themselves with none customer interplay to allow them to dwell their lives as naturally as potential (watching them frolic within the mud remains to be a fairly particular sight to see, to be sincere.)
The park then took us again to Chiang Mai and dropped me off proper at my lodge. It was the right option to spend a day, studying about these unbelievable creatures and supporting their well-being.
Meet the Herd
There’s nothing fairly like coming face-to-trunk with a rescued elephant on the park. These light giants, over 100 robust, roam freely right here, forming deep bonds with one another in household herds. It’s unbelievable to see! The Kham La herd, the park’s largest bunch (consisting of round 9+ elephants), is kind of a sight.
Watching them work together – from playful nudges to shared mud baths – is a heartwarming reminder of their intelligence and social nature. Realizing these elephants are lastly protected from abuse makes the expertise much more particular. Belief me, this isn’t your common elephant encounter – it’s a bucket checklist second you gained’t overlook!
Ideas for Visiting
Elephants splashing in mud? Test. Feeding a ellie some yummy treats? Test and test! This park is a dream come true for anybody who’s ever needed to attach with these superb creatures. Listed below are some issues I discovered to make your go to even higher:
- Greatest Time: The dry season (November – April) presents nice climate for outside actions. Nonetheless, the park welcomes guests year-round.
- Costume comfortably: Pack comfortable garments and sneakers with good tread – you is perhaps strolling by way of some gentle mud to fulfill the elephants. Don’t overlook a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and a refillable water bottle to remain cool.
- Respect the animals: Elephant Nature Park locations a excessive worth on the welfare of elephants. Remind your self that these are wild creatures and that it’s best to at all times abide by the park’s guidelines when partaking with them.
- Present your appreciation: The guides at Elephant Nature Park are extremely educated and passionate (plus they take a number of good photos and movies!) You’ll be able to categorical your gratitude to them for making your keep so memorable by leaving them a tip.
- Pricing: Elephant Nature Park presents numerous packages with totally different pricing buildings, like half-day, single day, and even in a single day. A single day go to sometimes prices round 3,500 THB ($90 USD), with a 50% low cost for kids.
Visiting the Elephant Nature Park was one adventurous day, and a reminiscence will final a lifetime. No driving. No reveals. Simply rescued elephants doing issues they need to have been doing ever since: being elephants.
You’ll get to witness their light nature firsthand, study their previous, and even assist (or ought to I say, a bucket?) with their each day care. It’s a bucket checklist expertise that goes past the enjoyable – it’s a heartwarming expertise that’s equal elements academic and unforgettable.