Chiang Mai is known for its elephant parks and many tourists come to visit these but despite really wanting to, I was always hesitant. Stories of the awful treatment of these majestic animals kept me far away- if I couldn't help, I certainly was not going to harm.
Knowing my misgivings, when I was recommended the Elephant Rescue Park by our hotel concierge, I was assured that this particular park's purpose was to solely rehabilitate animals rescued from labor camps, circuses and tourist resorts and that the cost of our tickets was spent entirely on the animals and their welfare.
I wanted to see this for myself and, of course, to spend some time with the elephants in their natural habitat so we decided on a half day visit. (Full day and overnight options are also available.)
We were picked up and transported by van to the park along with 6 others- about an hour's drive from central Chiang Mai. Our group was really friendly and we got on well, which was a big plus, but if you prefer something more exclusive you can ask to book a private tour.
During our journey, our guide briefed us about the camp as well as the 7 elephants they had with them at that time. He also answered the many questions our group had regarding the rescue process and the treatment of the rescued animals.
Once we arrived we were given traditional outfits for the duration of our tour which were nice but also very hot in 32'C temperature!
After changing we ate a simple lunch of local food on a lovely verandah overlooking some of the camps area. We could hear the elephants and even caught glimpses of a couple as we ate which only added to the building excitement amongst us!
Well fed and appropriately attired, we were led to the first activity which was to feed the 5 elephants we would be interacting with through the day.
All 5 elephants were in a row with their individual mahoots (handlers) and after a short introduction and safety brief,we were handed a huge basket of bananas to feed them. The thrill of being so close the these elephants was amazing and after some apprehensive rounds of feeding it was almost like something we did every day!
Exercise time was next and as a group we walked with our 5 elephants all over the jungle, simply ambling alongside them as they went about their business- they were in charge! Careful to follow the rules we had been given, we were encouraged to pat them often and take as many photos as we wanted and to just enjoy the surreal experience.
About an hours walk later, we arrived at the "pooping" river which is self explanatory and also an area for the elephants to cool off.
After watching them playing around for a while (and frankly feeling a bit jealous!) it was finally our turn. We walked a short distance to the central lake where we were were handed rough brushes and buckets- it was time to bathe and scrub the elephants!!!!
The elephants entered the clean and cool waters first followed by us and what a thrill it was! We scrubbed the elephants and bathed them as they relaxed and swam in the lake. An occasional foot or trunk brushing against us would send us into nervous giggles as, even though they were gentle creatures, they were HUGE!! Encouraged by their playfulness, we too let loose our inner child and enjoyed a quick water fight before leaving the water!
Playtime over it was photo call time and after many lovely poses, the humans headed back to camp while the elephants went off on their own into the jungle till they returned for water later.
Back at camp we showered and had some snacks before it was time to head back home.
Conclusion
A fantastic experience which I plan to repeat. To my eyes they elephants looked well cared for and well treated- NO STICKS OR SADDLES in sight. The area is huge and they have more than enough room to wander freely in. The feeding and bathing activities may be considered touristy but they don't harm the elephants- this is a compromise I can live with as the greater good is what matters. Its the money that tourism generates which allows the elephants to be rescued and rehabilitated- it takes around 2 million Bhat to rescue a single animal and then comes the cost of a lifetime of care.
Until there are laws in place prohibiting the exploitation of elephants, these camps are the only option so find an ethical one and support it best you can.
NB. One of the elephants was pregnant and should deliver sometime middle to late 2020- I will be back for sure to meet the new baby elephant and will update and upload the pictures here! Keep following!