Look, let’s be real, I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore. This 58-year-old chassis doesn’t bounce back from epic travel days like it used to. So, when I pack my bags, there’s gotta be a really good reason. Basically, if I’m trading comfy couch time for cramped plane seats and questionable train snacks, it better be worth it! And let me tell you, when I stumbled across the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand? Boom! Decision made. Suddenly, a trip from sunny Australia to Northern Thailand sounded like the best idea ever! Who cares about jet lag when you’re about to hang out with a bunch of adorable elephants? Let’s just say, my travel-weary self was ready to rumble for this one!”
The Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre in Northern Thailand, founded by renowned elephant rights advocate, Saengduean Chailert, or Lek as many people refer to call her. ENP is the first ethical Elephant sanctuary of its kind established in Asia over 20 years ago and currently provides a caring home to many elephants from street begging, elephant riding and circus shows, where they often sustained both physical and psychological injuries. The park’s herds include blind, cripped, orphaned, and senior elephants who are now free to live a peaceful life in natural surroundings.
When I first arrived at the centre, I was amazed at how many tourists where around. I mean, bus loads were pouring in, bags and bodies all merging into one area. We were a very well organised herd of humans and in most situation like this my claustrophobia would be kicking in, yet I felt very relaxed and unhurried.
Our guide, a passionate and knowledgeable local, began by sharing the heartbreaking stories of the elephants living at the park. Each one had a tale of hardship, abuse, and exploitation. It was a sobering reminder of the dark side of elephant tourism, but also a testament to the incredible work being done at Elephant Nature Park.
Now, they made it very clear from the get-go: the elephants run the show. If you’re out there in the field, and they (the elephants) decide to take a stroll in your direction, you move. And I mean move – not a leisurely shuffle, but a brisk, ‘my knees are protesting’ kind of pace. And you listen to those mahouts, those elephant handlers, like they’re giving you stock market tips. They know what they’re doing, believe me.
So, there I am, out in the field with a small group, including a couple of toddlers and their mother. Now, this woman, bless her heart, was absolutely fixated on getting ‘the perfect shot.’ She was so busy snapping pictures, she completely lost track of her baby in the pram.
Well, wouldn’t you know it, a curious baby elephant, probably thinking it was a new toy, decided to investigate. Before you could say ‘where the hell is my baby,’ the mahout and another quick-thinking soul snatched that pram and the wailing baby out of the way. I tell you, my heart skipped a beat.
The mother? Let’s just say she had a sudden, very dramatic ‘come to Jesus’ moment. It was a stark reminder that even with all the beauty and wonder around you, you can’t let your guard down, especially when you’re dealing with animals that weigh several tons. And, frankly, at my age, I’ve learned that ‘better safe than sorry’ is a mantra to live by. Especially when it involves a baby, a pram, and a curious pachyderm. You just never know what’s going to happen next, especially when you are out with elephants.
The highlight, without a doubt, was that early morning coffee. Oat milk, mind you, and the entire café and restaurant strictly vegan – a welcome touch, and the meals were truly outstanding. I sat on that high balcony, sipping my coffee, watching the elephants roam freely across the expansive landscape. I saw an old elephant, her mahout by her side, being tended to by a team of veterinarians. The gentle, patient care they showed and the way the mahout worked to distract her from any discomfort, it was a testament to the profound compassion that exists.
Those few early hours on the balcony became a time for deep reflection. I found myself contemplating the inherent paradox of humanity. How can we be capable of such incredible kindness and generosity, yet also inflict such cruelty and destruction? It’s a conundrum that’s followed me throughout my life. My own philosophy, honed over these many years, is simple: if we, as humans, could transcend the corrosive forces of greed, gluttony, and the insatiable need for dominance, we could create a world where all creatures, elephants included, could truly live freely.
I had the good fortune to meet Lek, although I didn’t know it at the time. She was working at the dog sanctuary and harnessing a crippled dog for me to walk with. oh, I forgot to mention they also have, in addition to elephants, rescued buffalo, boar, chickens, goats, cats, and dogs. It wasn’t until a few days later, that I realised the lady I was talking to was Lek. She is an incredibly humble woman.
I spent two days and one night at the Sanctuary and just like that it was time to leave.
As I drove away, a quiet stillness settled over me. It wasn’t the kind of quiet that follows a busy day, but a deeper, more profound kind. I found myself reflecting on the weight of the stories I’d heard, the gentle power of the elephants I’d seen, and the sheer, undeniable beauty of a world where they were allowed to simply be. This wasn’t just another tick on a travel checklist; it was a shift in perspective, a reminder that the natural world, in all its magnificence, is also incredibly vulnerable.
At this stage of my life, I’ve seen my share of sights, but few have resonated as deeply as this. It’s easy to become jaded, to think you’ve seen it all. But standing among those gentle giants, watching them interact, feeling the weight of their history, it was a humbling experience. It served as a potent reminder that our actions, however small, have consequences. And that even in the face of hardship, resilience and healing are possible.
If you find yourself drawn to Thailand, and if you seek an experience that will touch your soul, not just your camera lens, then I wholeheartedly recommend Elephant Nature Park. It’s not just a visit; it’s a journey. And it’s a journey that, I suspect, will continue to unfold in my thoughts long after the dust of Thailand has settled.
Tips for your visit:
- Book in advance, as the park fills up quickly.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Be prepared for a long day, but it’s worth it!
- Take many photos but remember to be present in the moment.
- Most importantly, be respectful of the elephants and their home.
Flood Update:
The recent severe flooding at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand on the 3rd October 2024, caused significant distress and required a massive evacuation effort. Reports from sources like the Bangkok Post detailed how torrential monsoon rains led to rapid water level rises, submerging large portions of the sanctuary. This resulted in the tragic loss of two elephants and caused the rescue of numerous other animals. The sheer scale of the event, and the difficulties faced during the rescue are well documented in articles from sources such as the Straits Times, which gave detailed accounts of the rescue operations. These events highlight the increasing challenges faced by animal sanctuaries due to extreme weather patterns. You can find more details on the following websites:
- Bangkok Post: This source provides in-depth reporting on the flooding and the rescue efforts:
- The Straits Times: This source also provides detailed information regarding the evacuation.
These sources offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by Elephant Nature Park and the remarkable efforts made to protect its animals.”
