A report by the World Animal Protection showed that 77% of elephants used in tourism within Asia are living in terrible conditions. elephant tour, they should make others aware of this by posting reviews and using social media to get the message out," advises Ry Emmerson from Save Elephant Foundation. Also supported by World Animal Protection, Following Giants transitioned to an observation-only model in late 2019. However, there has been a drastic shift towards more ethical ways to encounter elephants in Thailand. You cannot ride an elephant at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. But to be safe, it should be avoided. Thank you. You arent totally wrong, its good to be skeptical in this regard. As a tourist, you vote with your dollars on how you want elephants' future to be. That, and maybe some government grants, but not always. tourists could watch the elephants, walk alongside them in the jungle, feed, and bathe. You may also like:Thailand's best beaches from peaceful paradises to partiesThe quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to get around in ThailandJungle safaris, kayaking and bird-spotting at Thailand's top national parks, This article was first published November 2014 and updated January 2022. How to Choose an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary | Thailand + Southeast Asia There are more than a handful of truly ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. On my next journey to Thailand, I'm going to volunteer at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Here are five examples of high-welfare elephant tourism ventures, where elephants can be admired in a sanctuary-style environment the next best thing to viewing them in the wild. fascinating places and experiences. If so, first of all good for you! This somewhat relates to David Attenboroughs view on zoos. When logging became outlawed in 1989, the elephants and their owners were out of work and reduced to begging. Also bring drinking water, ideally filling your own bottle to avoid buying water in plastic bottles. Thai elephants originate from around the Northern part of Thailand around Mae Hong Son, near the border with Myanmar. Youd also clean their sleep area and care for the other rescue animals. for elephants and their mahouts. Photos and likes are not worth the elephants' suffering. On one hand, the elephants mahout (caretaker) riding him sometimes might be fine. Opened in 2019 with support from World Animal Protection, ChangChill was the first elephant venue in the Chiang Mai area to fully transition from interactive elephant tourism to an observation-only model. 13 ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand You can visit the hospital and make a donation on entry, which allows the centre to continue with the vital work they do. In 2019, ABTA, the UKs largest travel association, updated its animal welfare guidelines to make it "unacceptable" for tour operators and travel agents (who adopt the guidelines) to offer tourists direct contact with elephants or feed elephants without a barrier. The volunteering work can be they can socialize with other elephants, eat healthy food and receive veterinary care. But the camp went through a Less funds equals less food for the elephants. The organisations are trustworthy, so you know that you are doing good by visiting. These groups monitor and report on researched based information on how to better serve the elephants best interests. Elephant sanctuaries have become increasingly popular attractions for tourists in countries like Thailand, where these gentle giants hold cultural significance and symbolize spiritual values. In Thailand, it costs an average of $40 USD to feed a fully grown elephant. Currently, they work on a new animal welfare law and a "National Elephant Care Master Plan" to protect domesticated elephants. Elephant Nature Park also aim to preserve the cultural integrity of the local community through employment and by making local purchases where possible. river Kwai. Located in Lampang, the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital pioneers new methods and technologies to heal sick or wounded elephants. As the park is located off the beaten tourist path, it's an excellent opportunity to see rural Thailand and not-touristic areas in an exclusive way. Image of ethical, sanctuary, travel - 282844214 Images From The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Editorial Stock Image - Image of ethical, sanctuary: 282844214 A camp that doesnt offer any type of back information on their elephants is likely there for profit or for more entertainment purposes. For those that don't know, about 30 years ago, then-elephant owners were in the logging business. I actually had a feeling that something was wrong; I felt some kind of moral discomfort. Instead, I created my job out of For most, the easiest way to raise funds is from tourists dollars. ! Truly Ethical Thailand Elephant Sanctuary List Hi all - in doing research for my upcoming Thailand trip, I've been reading reports done by various non-profits and animal welfare organizations. There is still a long way to go, with a Chiang Mai University study published in 2021, for example, finding that more than half of elephants in Chiang Mai Thai tourist facilities have nervous tics that may reflect anxiety, frustration, or boredom. Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES) was founded in 2011 by Burm and Emily, a She also started the Save Elephant Foundation, which works across southeast Asia to protect elephants. If animal welfare is at the forefront of your priorities, this may be the best elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Read more about visiting the Wildlife Friends Foundation Trust here. There is some research to indicate the negative impact this has on the elephants. it should not be slaps, splinters, bullhooks, or any other infliction of pain. Historically, the relationship between Thai culture and elephants is quite a contradiction. May all elephants be healthy and happy, and let humans be humane. BLES was founded in 2007 by Briton, Katherine Connor, who dedicated her life to nurturing rescued and retired elephants after encountering a courageous baby elephant called Boon Lott ("survivor" in Thai). and is a sister project of Elephant Nature Park. them. forced to bathe when they don't want to. In an ideal world, no elephants would be living in captivity, however, in the real world this is not possible. and even painted pictures. Read more about Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary here. How are animals acquired? A SANCTUARY FOR ELEPHANTS An Unforgettable Experience with Elephants Discover the Elephant Sanctuary Thailand and bond with a small herd of rescued elephants that have formed a family. Read more about visiting the Mahouts Elephant Foundation here. However, on your visit, you can observe the elephants in the forest, take care of animals, prepare food, cut grass, or clean elephant areas. You can also sponsor an elephant or simply donate to the project! The elephant's keeper also suggested that the girls take a photo sitting on the elephant's trunk for an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) - Tripadvisor ! Please note that this list was published in 2021. Elephants: Covid and ethics reshape Thailand's tourism industry Elephants here enjoy the freedom to romp across the tropical jungle of 30 acres. You can visit the FAE hospital and volunteer there. Located in the Chiang Mai province of northern Thailand and established in the 1990s, they are a true sanctuary for elephants as well as other animals. I have no possibility of verifying whether this information is true or not. They dont offer elephant bathing, and were the first to pioneer the Saddle Off program. Tourists who visit the unethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are unknowingly contributing to these poor animals' pain and hurt. Maerim Elephant Sanctuary: An Ethical Elephant Encounter in Chiang Mai, Thailand April 20, 2023 / By Valerie Wheatley 71 When I first visited Chiang Mai in 2014, every tour agency in town was advertising elephant riding tours and elephant circus shows. To help with funding this they offer a Walking With Elephants programme in Thailand. The type of Elephant in Thailand is of the Asian elephant, specifically the Indian Asian elephant. It explains how boycotting and entire industry equally punishes those who are doing wrong and those making an effort to do right. At Elephant Nature Park, you can get involved in different activities, from simple one-day visits to one-week volunteering projects. 1. Gain a once in a lifetime experience, get to know and understand the elephants and immerse yourself in Karen Hill Tribe Culture! Some have this idea that any venture that uses animals to turn a profit is automatically unethical. Does the place try to replicate the animals' natural habitat, with enough space to roam around and bathe freely? Moreover, this park is There's nothing better than seeing elephants just be elephants. The vast majority of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, and elsewhere, focus on taking care of rescued animals. It really is one of the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. supported by Save Elephant Foundation. Most sanctuaries are not for profit organisations or charities. I traveled to Thailand for the first time in 2013 with one of the major European tour operators. In their own words, they have a multifaceted approach which: cuts off the supply of elephants to the tourism industry, stops the demand of tourists by offering ethical alternatives, brings a sustainable source of income to impoverished communities, and provides science-based evidence showing good elephant welfare. This park is easily accessible from Chiang Mai, and is very popular. You can volunteer with them for a week (or longer) if this is something that appeals to you. You have the power to stop this abuse. Very thorough research and well documented information. The Phuket Elephant sanctuary is leading the way when it comes to the ethical treatment of retired/rescued elephants. That $40 is already 3 times more than the daily minimum wage salary in Thailand. , - . We put the welfare of our elephants first and do not offer bathing, rides, shows, mud bathing, trunk hugging, elephant kisses, sitting on or lying on the elephants, loud noisy groups, or people constantly crowding around the elephants. Then came the era of elephant rides, elephant encounters, and elephant shows. But, studying the topic more, I realized that bathing with elephants is also not ethical. And finally, my dream came true: we arrived at the elephant park. This project helps keep mahouts and their elephants off Bangkok or Pattaya's streets, begging or engaging in unethical elephant experiences. The owner was mentored by the owner of Elephant Nature Park, and learned all about ethical practices when rescuing and caring for elephants. They are a slightly different species from other sub-species of Asian elephants. Alternatively, you can just choose another camp altogether. To see the elephants at The Surin Project, you have to apply The Mahouts Elephant Foundation is working towards establishing a shift in attitude within tourism that facilitates the return of captive, working elephants to a protected forest habitat. Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai This is the elephant sanctuary that almost everyone thinks of when they hear "elephant sanctuary" in Thailand. The owners of these organisations do not have the animals best interests at heart and are instead profit-driven. Volunteers should expect basic facilities, usually simple accommodation blocks with mosquito nets, basic cooking facilities, Thai-style bathrooms, and (often) cold showers. Together they work hard to ensure the safety and welfare of animals across Thailand. Read our Privacy Policy. Despite the issues with elephant and tiger attractions, Thailand does offer wildlife experiences that haven't lost their moral compass. While in unethical elephant camps, elephants are usually separated from one another, at Boon Required fields are marked *. For many reasons, including their own welfare. However, when visiting you can participate in all sorts of activities. There's a valid argument for not supporting interactive elephant tourism, but the situation is complex. Elephant Nature Park. It means they don't offer bathing, riding, or performances here. In one email, a traveler wrote that he saw tourists riding an animal, and it's not safe for the visitors, as an elephant can get aggressive. An increasing number of travel companies are stopping offering elephant trekking tours, thereby increasing awareness among tourists. After the show, the park staff offered to buy these paintings. ! often involves abuse. You are still able to get to know these creatures and learn about their magnificence, but without causing them any harm or distress. ethical elephant tourism on the Surin Project website. night surrounded by loud cars and lights. Over the past 4 years, around 1,000 volunteers participated in 1 to 7-day programs. Here you will find tips for meaningful, off the beaten trackand Costs start at 2500B (US$75) for a full-day visit with lunch (visiting with your own transport). foraging for food? Into The Wild Elephant Camp: Wonderful Experience at Ethical Elephant Sanctuary - See 708 traveler reviews, 1,005 candid photos, and great deals for Chiang Mai, Thailand, at Tripadvisor. I traveled to more than 60countriesand I want to share with you the most With tourists now returning to the Thai Kingdom following its reopening to vaccinated tourists in November 2021, it's more important than ever to use your tourist dollars to support the ethical treatment of captive elephants. Asia Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand that Will Truly Warm Your Heart written by Vessy 10/25/2020 Table of Contents Finding the Perfect Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand List of Great Elephant Sanctuaries Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai Tour Options Where to Stay Karen Elephant Serenity Project What to Bring Shuttle Comfort Bouncy Arrival The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the financial burden. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical sanctuary in Phuket You just have to be sooo careful when you choose where to spend your money! Do your part before you travel to Thailand and do a little bit of research into how YOU can be an ethical tourist. Yes, I rode an elephant in the jungle, like hundreds of thousands of other tourists. My name is Jacqueline, a California native who ran away from home 10 years ago. Only a qualified elephant keeper or a trained volunteer should wash an elephant. Address: 100, Moo 2,, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand. I faced this myself, and now I regret that I took part in unethical elephant tours. This is something completely different, and not offered at any of the other ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Elephants World's motto is "we work for the elephants, and the elephants not for us.". Ive come across tons of well-meaning articles about elephant sanctuaries but youre literally the first to own the unpopular opinion that boycotting them really doesnt do anything. Chiang Mai, Thailand Features animals Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. So, you want to be sure you choose an ethical and true elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Thailand has been slow to legislate for the protection of elephants, but there have been improvements.
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