If you spend any time in Thailand, I highly recommend visiting an elephant sanctuary. One of the highlights of my time in Chiang Mai was a visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where I had the chance to get up close and personal with some of Thailand’s most famous residents.
And by “up close and personal,” I mean close enough to discover that an elephant’s trunk is equal parts nose, hand, vacuum cleaner, and food-processing machine.
The experience was unforgettable. Feeding the elephants, learning about their personalities, and watching them interact with their caretakers gave me a whole new appreciation for these magnificent animals. They are far more intelligent, gentle, and expressive than I ever imagined.
If you’re considering visiting an elephant facility, however, I would encourage you to do a little homework first.
Many sanctuaries today focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Others still offer elephant rides or circus-style performances. While these activities may seem harmless at first glance, the training methods historically used to teach elephants to carry riders or perform tricks can be quite harsh.
For that reason, I prefer supporting facilities that allow elephants to behave like elephants—eating, bathing, socializing, and generally going about their elephant business without having to balance on a stool or paint a picture for my amusement.
Fortunately, responsible sanctuaries are becoming more common throughout Thailand.
The elephants certainly seem happier for it.
Besides, after spending a day around these gentle giants, you’ll discover that you don’t need to ride an elephant to be amazed by one. Watching an elephant casually consume what appears to be half a rainforest before lunch is entertainment enough.
Trust me on this one.
Until next time.