Last Updated on February 22, 2021
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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!
cheryl
Saturday 7th of January 2012
Nice action shot! I love elephants ... such gentle wise souls. <3
jess
Sunday 8th of January 2012
Absolutely, Cheryl - we loved spending time with the elephants - gigantic, gentle creatures!
Ayngelina
Monday 2nd of January 2012
I love the tones in this photo, so warm
jess
Tuesday 3rd of January 2012
Thanks Ayngelina :)
TheWorldOrBust
Friday 30th of December 2011
I wish I could take a shower by blowing my nose all over myself!
jess
Friday 30th of December 2011
That is hilarious - and kind of gross :-) We'll leave that methods to elephants, haha...
Jessie Borman
Friday 30th of December 2011
Great capture of the bathing elephant! But the story is greater. :)
jess
Friday 30th of December 2011
Aww, thanks Jessie - we loved these Elephants, they were just adorable (and huge)!!
Christy @ Technosyncratic
Friday 30th of December 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!
jess
Friday 30th of December 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!