Elephants Nature Park is a sanctuary for Asian elephants, most importantly as a safe have for abused, mistreated, neglected, jobless, rescued elephants to live naturally for the rest of their life with dignity. The concept of 'Let Elephants be Elephants.'
If you're a truly elephant lover and do not like to see elephants being heavily chained, pricked painfully, performed tricks or ridden by heavy people on wooden benches, then this place is for you. But if you have a weak heart, maybe the plight of some elephants will make you cry for sure. (bring enough tissues, please)
Located about 1 hour/60km north of Chiang Mai in Mae Taeng District, around a beautiful valley on a remote mountaintop, this elephant park is also home to other rescued animals like cats, dogs, cows and buffaloes.
Established in 1995 by Sangduen 'Lek Chailert, who has been passionately championing the rights of the Asian elephants for decades with her emergency medical unit - Jumbo Express raced to help elephants calling in distress. Her tireless efforts was featured in national and international media including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and BBC.
Because of her dedication, Lek has been honored with these awards:
2001 - Hero of the Planet by The Ford Foundation (associated with National Geographic)
2003 - Genesis Award by Humane Society of the United States
2005 - one of "Asian Heroes of the Year" by Time Magazine.
There are over 30 elephants in the park and many of the elephants have previously suffered from terrible injuries, abused or ignorance. At the park, they can leave their past traumas behind and live a peaceful life with people who love and care for them.
A day visit to the park involved educational study of elephants, their stories, feeding and bathe them, (if you do not like to get wet, you can watch them by the riverside) showering them with lots of love. They will appreciate your kindness because elephants never forget. The trip is inclusive of transport to/from your hotel, buffet lunch for you and the elephants - all for THB2,500 (RM250/USD 84) for adult and THB 1,675 (RM 168/USD 56) for a child.
For the itinerary: http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/tour/tour_1d.htm
If you think 1 day is not enough, you can stay for more days or be a volunteer.
For more info: http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/tour/index.htmHOW TO GET THERE:
All visits from 1 day to homestay MUST be pre-booked online or at their office in the city at 1 Ratmakka Road, on the corner of Ratmakka and Moon Muang Road. Limited to a small number of visitors per day.
Check availability at: http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/parkfull.htm
HOW YOU CAN HELP THE ELEPHANTS:
As a non-profit organization, funds and support are very much in need. You can offer your support by various ways. 100% goes towards the benefits of the elephants.
Check these out:
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/howyoucanhelp.htmCheck these out:
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/shop/index.htm
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/volunteer/index.htm
http://www.elephantnaturefoundation.org/go/help
For other information of the park:
http://www.elephantnaturefoundation.org/go/park
http://www.elephantnaturefoundation.org/go/foundation
NOTE:
Elephant Nature Park welcome visitors from all ages. However, visitors are not permitted to wander off or get close to the elephants by themselves for their own safety reasons.
Visits to the park are at your own risk. Get yourself covered with insurance for a worry free mindset.
No comments:
Post a Comment