In Thailand, a nonprofit called the Elephant Nature Foundation fights for the rights of elephants. Visitors to the park get the rare chance to interact with elephants and gain valuable insight from them. People go to elephant sanctuaries not to do feats or ride them but to see them behave naturally in their natural habitats, such as grazing, playing, socializing, etc.
rnAll of the park's elephants were rescued from lives of extreme labor and maltreatment at the hands of inexperienced elephant mahouts. There is a file for each elephant that details all the foundation knows about its history so that visitors may learn about individual situations.
rnLek, the proprietor, has won several accolades for her outstanding contributions to the field. As though in the wild, the elephants are free to wander, yet they need round-the-clock care owing to years of neglect.
rnThe group also maintains an outreach program called "Jumbo Express," in which volunteers go to different parts of Thailand to cure needy elephants and foster relationships with people who depend on elephants. This allows them to earn the respect of the locals and spread knowledge among them to better the lives of working elephants. Supporting the organization's longevity via your visit is much appreciated.
rnYou'll get picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel and taken to a local fruit market before going to the Elephant Nature Park to help stock the facility with food and other necessities for the elephants. Following that, you'll get to know the fortunate herd of elephants that call this place home.
rnHear the insights of the park's elephant specialists on the animals' biology, psychology, and behavior.
rnThe park also has rudimentary lodgings for those who stay the night.
rnThe purpose of these outings is to give you authentic experiences of the surrounding area during your stay. Because our tour guides are locals, they are familiar with the most popular destinations in the region and the hidden gems known only to those who live there. Excursions and other activities that will help you get more familiar with the local culture are something the consultants at our company would be pleased to suggest.
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