One of the things that excited me the most about visiting Thailand was the prospect of interacting with elephants. I wanted to get up and close with those beautiful, regal creatures. I wanted to see them walking through jungles and blowing water out of their trunks like in the movies and NatGeo documentaries.
What I didn’t know is, like most animal tourism, one has to be very careful to do it ethically. Rosy photos are always floated by tourism campaigns of tourists having fun with animals, but it’s also our responsibility to make sure we’re putting our money into the hands of programs that make their lives better, not worse.
That’s why when in Thailand I won’t go to Tiger Kingdom where the tigers are drugged (even though most people in tourism will swear up and down that they aren’t, do you really think an adult tiger would not claw your face off? Come on now) and don’t participate in most elephant activities that involve things other than bathing and feeding them (read between the lines there – there are only two activities one should do with elephants and neither involve a chair or its back).
In Indonesia, I made sure to choose a guide who doesn’t feed the orangutans, and I only partner with diving companies that practice green policies and don’t touch nor feed the fish. In places without regulations in place, all we can do is show with our dollars how important ethical tourism is.
People will often say, “they didn’t look sad!” or “they seemed fine!” of elephants that work in tourism, but honestly, how do you know if an elephant, orangutan, fish, or tiger is sad or happy?
Unfortunately, any domesticated elephant has been put through a painful process to get to that phase. They are taken around the age of four and put in a small pen, tied up, and poked, prodded, and pierced for days in order to make them submit. For the remainder of their lives, they are typically controlled with the same sort of stick, with a hook in the end. That’s not something I ever want to support.
This is why I was happy to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka on safari, but it still left me wishing there was some way I could get closer to them.
What I didn’t know is there is an ethical way to play with rehabilitated elephants – those that have been injured in the logging industry in neighboring Myanmar, badly treated in tourism, have been used for begging for money from tourists, or were left to fend for themselves after the logging industry ended in Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a wonderland for rehabilitated elephants. They have plenty of room to roam, wash, and enjoy. Each one has a dedicated, stick-free mahout who makes sure the elephant is happy and healthy.
They get a chance to really be elephants again – socializing, forming groups, and sometimes giving birth to babies. Since ENP does not put their elephants through the domestication process, those babies eventually have the chance to return to the wild, where very few elephants are left in Thailand and worldwide.
These elephants are no longer threatened with sticks or hooks, they no longer have to work, and they get all the delicious fruit they need on a daily basis (which is a lot!). Many of them were sick, had broken bones, were no longer useful in a work environment, and would have died if ENP wasn’t there to rescue them.
The grounds are also equipped with an elephant kitchen, an elephant hospital, and accommodation for overnight or week-long volunteers – there are several volunteer options available.
Moreover, ENP proves that elephants don’t have to be mistreated if they misbehave. They use positive reinforcement — food — to get the elephants to where they need to be, rather than hooks and sticks. The elephants get to have a personality and likes and dislikes, just like humans do.
I actually found it kind of funny that certain elephants would only eat watermelon after finishing the pumpkin first, or that in order to get them to follow us, we just kind of had to get to walking and they’d eventually realize they were missing out on fun and more food by not following.
Additionally, the nature park provides a home for dogs and cats. It truly is a sanctuary for all kinds of animals who need a new home.
This video should help to show exactly how much fun I had:
It was one of the best things I’ve done in Thailand. I’ve now spent over 4 collective months there and have been dying to play with elephants, but didn’t know of an ethical way to do it. Now that I’ve checked out the nature park myself, I know that they’re doing great work and have no reservations about attaching my blog and name to theirs.
Definitely check out Elephant Nature Park if you’re going to Thailand. It’s sure to become one of your favorite memories.
* In the spirit of full disclosure, I was a guest of the Elephant Nature Park, there to help them spread the word about this amazing cause. They did not ask that I write a favorable review, but even if they had, it would have been entirely unnecessary because everyone who visits loves ENP (don’t believe me? Check out their trip advisor reviews!)
You may also notice that in the linked Sri Lanka post, I mention a travel blogging calendar, the proceeds of which went to this very organization. I’m pleased to report that we raised and donated $7,500 to help them buy new land.
Have you ever been to ENP? Did you love it?
Kaleena's Kaleidoscope says
Oohh I love it! I’ve heard of this place before and it’s on my must-do list when I head to Thailand next year. I totally agree with traveling ethically and not promoting industries that abuse animals and the environment. Do you think you need to reserve very far in advance to volunteer here? Great photos, too! 🙂
Kristin says
It would be a good idea to reserve in advance
Melissa says
I went as a day visitor and then I went back to volunteer for a week with the dogs. You learn a lot of interesting things about the park as a weekly volunteer.
Zoe @ Tales from over the Horizon says
I REALLY want to go to this place. It seems like everyone has been there except me. It looks fantastic.
Lauren Metzler says
I have always wanted to volunteer there! I am continuing to save in Australia, and then make my way back to Thailand! ^__^
Franca says
I’m glad you enjoyed your time at ENP and most importantly that you are sharing your experience with everybody. It’s important to make everybody aware that it’s not necessary to ride an elephant, in fact by doing what you did you get to know these wonderful creatures more by helping them out.
Kristin says
I got to spend more time with them and interact more than I would have if I had gone to an elephant riding camp.
Ryan says
Gahhh! So bummed I never had a chance to go to the Elephant Nature Park…one of the things I wanted to do above most else!
Kristin says
You still can!
Shari Shapiro says
We had a chance to go to ENP on our first trip ever to Thailand 6 years ago. We absolutely loved it and are glad things are still going strong there. I always recommend to all of my friends who head to Chiang Mai.
Kristin says
I will as well. It’s one of my favorite things I did this time around in SE Asia.
Cindy says
I’m glad to read more and more articles on travel blog warning about animal “attractions”, in particular respect to tourism in Thailand with Elephant.
Hopefully, we’ll have a similar trend following the BlackFish movie/documentary about orca/dolphins held in “zoo” !
Kristin says
I hope so too. Boycotting sea world.
Tyler says
We’re heading to Chiang Mai next and are very excited to visit this park. We’ve been exposed to some questionable treatment of elephants already and are looking forward to interacting with them and spending time with them. The park seems to be doing great things and we hope our visit confirms that – glad to see that yours did!
Kristin says
I had seen too much questionable treatment elsewhere as well and didn’t want to support it. I’m so happy that this place exists.
Dave says
I’ve have spent numerous days at ENP and even spent time with Lek and would like to make a recommendation for a visit. If you have the time, and funds, I would recommend ENP’s Pamper A Pachyderm Program. This is a full day program where you get to spend some quality time with a couple of elephants. They only allow a maximum of 6 people a day to join 3 elephants. There were days where there were only 3 of us. You arrive at Muoy’s camp to meet and feed 3elephants from ENP. You are given a big bottle of water in a carry strap and a bag of bananas, and off you go walking with the elephants, their mahouts, Muoy and a excellent guide from ENP to answer your questions and to look after you.
You’re with them when they graze in the field, walk with them to the river, (due to the high river this time of the year, you use a raft to cross), watch them put mud on themselves, walk on the riverbank across from ENP, and go up the hill where you have lunch at a beautiful overlook of ENP. Walk with them back to the river and watch them bath in the river and walk back to camp. The whole time you are walking right next to the elephants. You get to give them bananas, enjoy their company, observe how smart they are and discover their personalities, and get a little dirty with the close contact. You will be taking tons of pictures and video. Don’t forget to take an “elfie” with them. Bring extra batteries, as several time I had to share my supplies with others.
Now your day is not over. You are then taken up the mountain, where you will go white water rafting. You raft to ENP where you exit and get to meet another herd, Watch them bath, get a chance to get some up close photos. When you arrive at ENP, all of the day guests have left for the day so you get to enjoy your time there. While the day program at ENP a wonderful introduction to the elephants and ENP, Pamper A Pachyderm is much more personal interaction with the elephants. Of all the people I went on PAP, there has not been a one, who didn’t think this was one of the best experiences of their life. It has changed me as I want to return to ENP and PAP next month.
If you go please say hello to Muoy and Bhanyen (one of the elephants) for me and remember to share the love and bananas!
Kristin says
I heard great things about that particular program. Thanks for the in-depth description!
Lauren says
I’m glad a place like this exists! I read an article recently about someone who visited Tiger Kingdom and I felt terribly for those animals. Even if they aren’t drugged, what kind of life is that…tigers all caged up, living to interact with humans? It isn’t normal! These aren’t house cats!
For everyone who has watched Blackfish, I highly recommend watching “The Ghosts in Our Machine” – it is a great documentary! Jo-Anne MacArthur, the subject of the film, takes photos of animals that are caged in fur farms, zoos, and other situations…she is very inspiring! http://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/
Kristin says
I’m pretty much over zoos now. Thanks for sharing the documentary!
Empty Rucksack says
We would usually shy away from such places thinking its not good for the animals, but your post makes us rethink. Next time in Thailand, we will definitely visit this park
Kristin says
I think most of them aren’t, but since they can’t be released into the wild and the volunteers and visitors help to keep them fed and help the organization to buy more land, I think it’s the best resolution out there.
Katie says
Good to know! I love the idea of playing with elephants and am hoping to go to SE Asia sometime soon, but I had been wondering if there were a way to do so ethically. Thanks for this!
Kristin says
I was glad to find this! Enjoy!
The Together Traveler says
I was just there a few weeks ago and had the most amazing experience!! Definitely one of my favorites in Thailand.. Meeting Lek was great! I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Rashaad says
I’m very happy to read that you won’t be going to the Tiger Temple.
I recently learned about the brutal treatment the tigers suffer there so if I ever return to Thailand, that is one place I will never go.
As for elephants, I also recently learned about the harsh treatment they suffer. The last time I was in Thailand (in July/August 2010), I rode an elephant as part of a trek. If I had known what I know now about elephants, I would never had ridden one. It is good though that you volunteered at the Elephant National Park.
Kristin says
I definitely wanted to after seeing people’s photos with them, but ultimately decided after learning more that I shouldn’t. The only reason I knew not to ride elephants is because enough people in travel blogging had told me about it when I first arrived. Otherwise I probably would have without knowing.
Ayngelina says
Such an important story to share as so many people have no idea how poorly the animals are treated.
Mindy & Ligeia says
Great post, Kristin! These elephants will always hold a place in our hearts. I think it’s fair to say that once you’ve looked into the eyes of the elephants at ENP, you can definitely see the sadness in the eyes of elephants at other not-so-friendly attractions. 🙂
Kristin says
Good point. After seeing elephants again in Pai afterwards I definitely felt happy that I wasn’t supporting that kind of tourism.
Amy says
You have chosen the right sanctuary in Thailand to see elephants. All other places are neither a sanctuary, nor a safe place for elephants. In other sanctuaries elephants may find their way back to the market due to corruption. For those who can’t make up north to Chiang Mai, there are other good opportunities to see elephants, like in Kaeng Krachan, Kui Buri, Khao Sok or Khao Yai National Parks;
http://www.thainationalparks.com/khao-yai-national-park
Please don’t visit places with elephant activities, unless it is Elephant Nature Park.
Ankur says
This is an off topic question. Please delete if irrelevant.
Why you havent been to India?
Kristin says
I do plan to go eventually, I just haven’t made it yet!
Angie Away says
I wish there had been more resources like this when I visited Thailand years ago. I still feel guilty about my elephant ride! Thank you for putting this info out there so folks can make responsible decisions before they travel.
Leo says
I’d love to go there some day! Kristin, I’ve been thinking a lot about backpacking ( I already know I’ll do it, but I’m going to college first and work a bit), and I wanted to know what is the best way to prepare myself for the trip (not talking about what I should take, but if there is something one can start doing years before the trip besides saving money 🙂
Kristin says
Being fixated on that goal and not only saving money, but changing the way you live and purchase things (really ruling out all things that are unnecessary and knowing that you’ll be traveling, so not buying things that aren’t useful for that specific purpose) is what I would suggest.
Erica says
There is no such thing as too many elephant pictures. I LOVE THEM ALL! 😀
Sandra (@SandalsDownUnda) says
I like you!! I don’t know you, but I’d love to meet you one day when we’re in the same country at the same time. I hate animal abuse and I dislike people who say they love animals but are ignorant to the abuse.
Thank you for sharing this story – I would love to go volunteer there when I go to Thailand and I’m going to make sure I put it high up on my bucket list now.
Happy travels!!
Kristin says
Thanks Sandra! I’m sure you’d love volunteering at ENP since it seems we share the same animal tourism values 🙂
Sandra (@SandalsDownUnda) says
Definitely! I was just telling hubby about it tonight. I’m going to try do it next year, but if not then definitely the following year.
Alex says
Love all the travel blogger support out there for ENP. It is our job to spread the word about responsible travel and in this facet we are kicking butt!
Kristin says
I’m glad it’s out there too because if it weren’t for this kind of thing I would never have known about the horrors of typical elephant tourism!
Stephen Jones says
Keep up the good work in getting the word out, Kristin! The more that know about they way tourism elephants (and other animals) are treated, the better.
Kristin says
So sad that so many people don’t know, but I’m glad more and more bloggers are being vocal about it.
Kirsten says
Thank you so much for this! I’m planning my trip around Southeast Asia right now and this is EXACTLY the kind of thing I’m looking for! I’m getting ready to pour over your blog even more to find more amazing activities/adventures (but may be contacting you relatively soon with some questions)! THANKS AGAIN!
Kristin says
Wonderful!
Naomi says
Hi Kristin – love your blog as I am a Canadian temporarily working in Indo and taking advantage of the region. I have heard great things about ENP and will probably do one of their programs this fall (not sure which). Their prices are quite steep for a backpacker budget, which is understandable given how expensive it is to properly care for elephants. However, I hate it when travel bloggers/ Lonely Planet/ etc say that you can travel for $30/day ($10 accommodation, $10 food, $10 activities) without including the prices of the “highlights” like seeing elephants, outdoor activities and many others.
Kristin says
I’ve done it, but some days I only spent $13 because I didn’t move around and my activity for that day was the beach, or riding a bike or something else really cheap. I did splurge on things like diving and other activities I was dying to do because when else do you get to do them?! Riding elephants is cheaper but I couldn’t live with myself knowing I was harming them so much.
Naomi says
I agree with you – and it seems totally worth it. I just wish you would note the cost of things like these in your posts (maybe just in a note at the bottom to not distract from the bigger picture). For instance, dive prices vary quite a bit and I want to know I’m getting a good deal.
I found your post on the true cost of SEA travel very helpful but so many blogs/guides give you a per day cost that misses all the best stuff there is to do.
Kristin says
I believe the cost of this is just under $80, but that’s for the one-day package and they have several different ones that you can choose from. As for diving, most places don’t differ that much from each other if they’re all in the same area or on the same island. Usually the difference in price is going to be noticeable with the equipment quality/age. Most diving places are small so you can easily shop around.
Joe Louis says
Great post! It’s important to spread the word about responsible tourism, especially in Southeast Asia!
Jo (The Blonde) says
I’ve been there for my friend’s birthday. It was such a great experience. I think it is so much better than riding them. You can feed them and bath them and just spend a whole day outside. Oh, and the lunch is delicious!
Inside Tale says
I find your page on Stumbleupon. People talk about things to do here and there, like “Thailand best things to do” etc. However, you gave a new charm to writing travel, news, tips, etc. Talking about how to play with Elephants moved me to see your page. I also have written travel articles on my blog, but not this way. Your post will give me a new thought or idea to write travel posts. Thanks for sharing this post with US. Happy Travel!
Kristin says
Thanks so much for your kind words! So happy to serve as inspiration.
Gabi says
The second blog that talks about ENP!! It will sure be in my Must Do list!!
Mary Zalinger says
How can you be sure the place you pick treats the elephants well? Have you heard anything about the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary? Any thoughts on whether its a good place?
Kristin says
I picked this place because a friend of mine worked there for a couple of years and I trust her judgement. She watched as Lek adopted and took care of the elephants and since there’s no elephant riding there, I trusted they had a much better life than what they’d come from.
melanie says
Hey, Im traveling to Indonesia soon and I want to meet some elephants up close and personal, but i want to do it in an ethical manner as well! any recommendations?
Kristin says
I never actually saw any elephants there now that I’m thinking about it.
Anna Sons says
This article is delightful. I’m so excited to follow your recommendation and play with elephants in a a healthy environment. Thank you for the tips
Kristin says
Awesome have fun!!