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Caption: ELEPHANTS IN THAILAND
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: “There is a wealth of knowledge that is openly accessible in nature... Much of human behavior can be explained by watching the wild beasts around us. They are constantly teaching us things about ourselves and the way of the universe, but most people are too blind to watch and listen”.
—Suzy Kassem
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Elephants are the national symbol of Thailand having greatly influenced Thai culture, myth, and religion. According to Buddhist tradition, on the eve of Buddha’s birth, his mother had a dream and was given a lotus flower by a white elephant. Maybe because of this, elephants have been then revered but unfortunately not so widely respected.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Since the late 1500s, the Thais took advantage of elephants’ sheer size and strength to fight against the Burmese, Malays, and the Khmer to protect the Kingdom. In addition, elephants have been put to work across the country for generations, being historically utilized by logging companies to haul lumber (now being their use forbidden since 1989).
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Widespread abuse, poaching, deforestation, increased tourism, farming, and a vast reduction in habitat have all contributed to a rapid decline in elephant numbers, and Asian elephants are now officially an endangered species.
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Statistics estimate that for 1kg of ivory on the black market in China (the worlds largest market for illegal ivory sales) is around $3000 US Dollars.
Elephant Nature Park
Caption: A small amount of illegal logging persists, and elephants used in such camps are often mistreated with knives and spears, and given amphetamines in order to force them to work as hard as possible over abusively long hours.
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Nowadays, elephants primarily work in the tourism and entertainment sectors. Unknown to the many tourists that arrive looking to see and ride these animals, they help fueling a cruel practice.
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: In order to be ridden, elephants must first go through a process known as Phajaan (“the crush”), in which they are tortured until broken into submission.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park
Caption: However, there are a number of ethical sanctuaries that take well care of them after being rescued from abandonment or mistreatment.
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An example is the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai where these gorgeous animals are not exploited nor ridden, and where visitors are allowed to interact with them in a positive way.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: For example, by feeding them with their favorite treats.
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: By respecting their space when they want so.
Video of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: By showering them, because as it turns out they absolutely love it! They enjoy being splashed and caressed with mud, and on their highest point of pleasure and fun, they lay on their side being half submerged in water.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: Elephants are very smart animals (reason why they‘ve been trained for years to serve humans).
Thus, they will realize when you respect their will and space.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: I can assure you, there will be nothing more rewarding than earning their trust and having them being the ones that approach you.
There are little feelings in this world as magical as knowing you managed to establish a connection of mutual respect and curiosity.
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: ADMIRE THEM BEING FREE
Picture of Elephant Nature Park
Caption: (C) Mariana Mata Lara
