We woke up early and jumped in a van in front of our guesthouse in Chiang Mai. We were going to see the elephants! Elephant Nature Park is a place where they save hurt elephants and elephants that have been mistreated. It was started by a woman named Lek, whose name means “little,” but she has a very big heart and wanted to help animals.In the van we saw a movie about Lek that explained different ways that elephants get injured in Thailand: some have stepped on landmines, some have been mistreated by cruel owners, and some are hurt when tourists ride them. We learned that it is never a good idea to ride on an elephant, because the chairs that are used can break or injure the elephant’s back. At the park, they also have lots of other rescued animals: over 300 rescued dogs, and also some cats and horses and water buffalo.
By the time the movie finished, we were passing small towns and we saw people riding elephants at some other parks, which was not good. But then we arrived at Elephant Nature Park.
The first thing I noticed was the dogs. I saw one with a red scarf, which we had learned meant that this dog wasn’t friendly with humans yet, so I couldn’t play with him. Our guide, Nancy, kept calling, “Okay, my team!” and we followed her to the first activity, which was feeding elephants! We fed them melons and squash. We held the food up and let the elephant’s trunk wrap around the food and pull it to its mouth. We fed a grandma elephant and also a baby. The baby was more clumsy with the food.
Then, “Okay, my team!” It was time for the next activity which was to pet the elephants. Their skin was hard and soft at the same time. We also learned about the “mahouts” at ENP. Each mahout takes care of a single elephant, and they never hit them or ride them. They make them go by holding out food and the elephants follow the food. One mahout put a squash on his head and the elephant ate it right off of his head! The elephants all seemed really happy. Nancy taught us that they spend about 18 hours a day walking around and eating, and they sleep for only 5 hours.
Later, we got to bathe the elephants. We went right into the river and held out food so they would follow us, and dumped buckets of water on the elephants. I accidentally also dumped water on Miles.
Right after they get clean, all the elephants like to take a mud bath to keep cool. The baby elephant just lay down and rolled around in the mud.
In between the activities with the elephants, Miles and I played with the cats and dogs. I wanted to adopt one dog named Scooby, because his description sounded particularly cute and cuddly.
After a huge vegetarian lunch and some biscuits and tea, more elephant feeding, and more photographs with elephants, Nancy said, “Okay, my team.” It was time to go.
I thought it was even better than the ziplining that we did (which Miles is writing about) because there were so many animals and we got to get so close to them, right next to them. I think it would be good for anyone to visit Elephant Nature Park, especially people who love to help animals.
Great post! Jonah, you are a very good writer. Thanks for letting us share your wonderful adventure!
thanks
So cute! –Stella and Theo
Jonah ! Did you hear any elephant rumbles ? Wow … Elephants … I have to wonder and dream about this … ! Your photos are excellent … What a day …
Jonah – just read an article about the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and other wild life sanctuary goings-on in Botswana. One of Africa’s largest concentration of elephants live in Chobe National Park but they migrate around Botswana. A lot to think about…
hi darsha thanks for following us☺.
At the end of our trip we are going to see african elephants
Whoa ! It’s impossible NOT to follow you ! Almost everyday I look to see if anyone has written something ! Your experiences give me so much to think about and wonder about. For example – I wonder if you will become an even stronger animal rights activist and what form that will might take. You are already vegetarian. Or biologist … Or … Or… Or… ! Enjoy every day !
Dear Jonah – Thanks for the wonderful description and pictures. I feel almost as if I’ve been there!!
Great writing Jonah. We miss you. Peter
P.S. – You think I only like dogs, but my real love is Elephants!!!
Good morning
I am loving this blog. It’s super fun to read. Great writing by all of you. I look forward to seeing where your ventures take you next.
WOW a trip of a lifetime I love all the photos.
Thanks for your comment!
Sylvia Baldwin recommended your blog and I love it. Your travels are exciting. Sylvia is getting excited about returning to Germany. Arlo too. We will miss them.
thanks so much for following us we will write more soon
Hi Jonah
Excellent writing and wonderful pictures! I LOVE elephants. I help support the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary – they take in elephants that need good care and a safe place to retire(mostly circus elephants). Sounds like your next elephant encounter will be with Africans – how fun. Enjoy!