Polaroid of the week: Elephant shower in Chiang Mai province, Thailand
Posted on 29. Dec, 2011 by Dany in Polaroid of the Week, Thailand
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We spent one day this week at the Elephant Nature Park north of Chiang Mai, an elephant sanctuary which is home to over 30 rescued elephants, mistreated by their previous owners. In a country where many elephants are still used to earn tourist money by offering rides or using them for begging in the streets, the founder of the park, Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, offers these previously abused elephants of all ages the chance to enjoy the rest of their lives naturally and without physical stress. It was an amazing experience seeing these giant animals up close, and we spent time feeding them and observing them as they interacted with the other elephants and their mahouts (elephant caretakers) in a natural habitat. One of our favorite parts of the day was when we bathed the elephants in the river – two different times. This was loads of fun for elephants and us visitors alike!
16 Responses to “Polaroid of the week: Elephant shower in Chiang Mai province, Thailand”
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Rease
29. Dec, 2011
This photo (and story) makes me so happy. Look at that happy elephant! Thanks for sharing.
Rease recently posted..Becoming a Travel Writer: Get Paid to Travel
jess
30. Dec, 2011
Awww, thanks Rease. It made us all so happy to be there exactly because the elephants are so happy. These guys live to be 70, 80 years old. They have long lives and experience so much. It’s a shame to think about what they have gone through in the past, but so uplifting to know that they have their freedom back now for the rest of their lives. We really loved being a part of that.
Denise
29. Dec, 2011
I’d love to do that
Beautiful shot
Denise recently posted..2011 in Travel moments and photos
jess
30. Dec, 2011
Thanks Denise! It was hard not to get great shots – we had so many opportunities to be up close and personal with the elephants. You should definitely come to the reserve if you ever get the chance!
Turtle
29. Dec, 2011
What a great photo. And you were there for such a good cause as well. The whole thing is so heartening!
Turtle recently posted..Travel ideas from bloggers for 2012
jess
30. Dec, 2011
Hi, yes for sure! That is why we went with this elephant park instead of an actual tourist attraction. Seeing the elephants in their natural habitat, watching them play, and hearing about their individual personalities and stories meant so much more than just seeing a group of nameless elephants doing some tricks. We felt that this one was a win-win situation for everyone involved!
Christy @ Technosyncratic
30. Dec, 2011
I’ve heard a ton about the Elephant Nature Park and we’re definitely going to make a trip there before we leave Chiang Mai. Elephants are the most intelligent and lovely animals, and it’s just devastating to learn about the abuse they’re put through with most tourist activities. It’ll be great to interact with them in a place where I know I’m not doing any additional damage!
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Best Travel Photos from 2011
jess
30. Dec, 2011
Christy, that’s exactly how we felt about the experience as well. When do you leave Chiang Mai? Maybe we’ll be able to meet up before we leave in a week or so? We’d love to hang out!
Jessie Borman
30. Dec, 2011
Great capture of the bathing elephant! But the story is greater.
Jessie Borman recently posted..Thule skibokse/tagbokse og cykelholdere
jess
30. Dec, 2011
Aww, thanks Jessie – we loved these Elephants, they were just adorable (and huge)!!
TheWorldOrBust
30. Dec, 2011
I wish I could take a shower by blowing my nose all over myself!
TheWorldOrBust recently posted..What to See and Do in Caracas, Venezuela!
jess
30. Dec, 2011
That is hilarious – and kind of gross
We’ll leave that methods to elephants, haha…
Ayngelina
02. Jan, 2012
I love the tones in this photo, so warm
Ayngelina recently posted..How I will remember 2011
jess
03. Jan, 2012
Thanks Ayngelina
cheryl
07. Jan, 2012
Nice action shot! I love elephants … such gentle wise souls. <3
cheryl recently posted..2011: A Year In Review For cherylhoward.com.
jess
08. Jan, 2012
Absolutely, Cheryl – we loved spending time with the elephants – gigantic, gentle creatures!