Elephant Nature Park

This week I had the most beautiful experience, the visit to the Elephant Nature Park, ran by Lek a Thai woman who loves animals and is trying to save many of them from street begging and from the mishandling from most of the mahoeds.

It is an amazing experience, for 2500 baht it is posssible to visit the elephant, to feed them and to give them a bath in the river. But what makes the difference from the regular elephant camps is that here the elephants are happy and well treated.

If you love animals and want to contribute to reduce the begging elephant practices and the mishandeling of this animals you should really visit this place, and if you have time even volunteer or spend a nigth here it is really worth it.

Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for Asian elephants situated in Northern Thailand. Established in 1995, the park is situated in the beautiful Mae Taeng Valley, 1 1/2 hours drive from Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature park is the result of tireless work from Sangduen 'Lek' Chailert, who has been passionately championing the rights of the Asian Elephant for decades. Lek has received international accolades including being named one of Time Magazine's Asia Heroes of the Year in 2005 for her work with elephants.

The park offers an eco-tourism experience of conservation and education for tourists and local people. Tours of 1,2 & 3 days are available, as well as 1, 2, 3 & 4 week volunteer opportunities.

My fiancee and I went for a 3 day tour and have had the best experience of our lives. Our tour started at the market, picking up fruit to feed the elephants later then on the ride to there we were shown a film about the park. As soon as we arrived we were lead on to the feeding platform where all the elephants were. We got to feed the elephants, then were fed a lovely Thai buffet, prepared by the resident cooks.

After lunch we all went down to the river where we were allowed to get into the water and wash the elephants, an unforgettable experience! Our guide then gave us some more background information on the park, and let us watch another video, warning us in advance that there were some distressing scenes involving the brutal 'training' of all working elephants. The video was very hard to watch, we have heard of others that have left the room because it was too difficult to watch but it makes you appreciate the park and Lek's hard work all over again.

Volunteers are set tasks in the morning and afternoon, people on the tours can choose whether to help out or just relax in the park. There are women working at this park that have given up their 'ordinary' lives in Australia & the States to dedicated themselves to this mammoth (no pun intended!) task. Michelle even took us out into the park to meet the elephants, telling us a bit about their background and let us stroke them.

We had an amazing time and are already planning to go back and volunteer for two weeks. It is an experience not to be missed!

Elephant Nature Park is a beautiful natural Animal Haven by forested mountain-sides of Northern Thailand!

If you hate the idea of riding a elephant then this place is perfect for you! It's free admission if you are Thai but a little donation would be great.
We did a full day trip package which involved picking you up from your hotel, going to pick up some truck load of bananas and watermelons at the market and driving up the hilly green mountain overlooking at amazing view. Once we reach the park you could see elephants just walking around minding their own business.
Our guide was a lovely British volunteer worker who knew every single elephant's name and story. We all learned things about the park and their elephants i.e. abused elephants, street beggar, etc. Lunch was included serving up some delicious Thai cuisine.
The highlight of this day trip is feeding and bathing the gentle giants! So i recommend it! Trust me you will feel good for yourself not riding them :)

Save the Elephant.

Elephant Nature Foundation is a non-profit organization which advocates and acts on behalf of the rights of Asian elephants in Thailand.
Our mission is to increase awareness about the plight of the endangered Asian elephant, educate locals on the humane treatment of their elephants, and provide sanctuary for rescued elephants at our nature park.

Elephant Nature Park, provides a safe home to rescued elephants who were previously abused and neglected. Perfect for day trips, overnight visits, and long-term volunteer opportunities, Elephant Nature Park offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Located on a remote mountaintop, Elephant Haven is a jungle retreat regularly visited by our elephants. Far from human encroachment, a visit to the Haven allows our elephants to relax in their natural environment.

Jumbo Express provides emergency medical care to elephants who would otherwise receive none. It also works to build ties with local populations and helps to improve human-elephant relationships.

Working together we can all make a difference in the lives of Asian elephants not only in Thailand, but throughout the world.