Volunteering At Elephant Shelters Became Our New Way Of Travelling

Most of the people perhaps never even thought that elephants lately are already on the lists between endangered species in Africa as well as Asia. As a matter of a fact, elephant as an animal is being glorified and adored by the local people all around Asia, especially Thailand. Wherever you will go you will find the decorations or souvenirs of elephants as it is believed to be a lucky charm. Paradoxically, it is also the most exploited and tortured animal at the same time, especially in the sector of tourism. Elephant Nature Park based in North of Thailand is one of the few honest sanctuaries that fights for and preserves the rights of the elephants in Asia. All of these, currently 71, amazing giants living here have been rescued from tourism, illegal logging, circus, street begging and each comes from the different background with it’s own story.

Our experience and first impressions started on the way to Chiang Mai as we have been shown a documentary about the intelligence of an elephant as well as been taught how to approach this giant and treat it with the biggest respect.

Once you are settled down in Elephant Nature Park, your day starts very early, around 6 am. It may sound challenging to be up at this time, but now you have to keep up with the daily regime your new big buddies are practicing. And no, you don’t really need to set an alarm – the pleasant sounds of the elephants trumpeting outside your bungalows followed by low vibrations will wake you up.

All the volunteers are divided into groups to visit the shelters where elephants stay overnight. Be ready to roll up your sleeves and clean up the biggest piles of what the giants have done throughout the night. Other daily tasks include walking with elephants, washing up, chopping the watermelons, bananas, pumpkins and other snacks as well as unloading the trucks to prepare food.

Working as an elephant keeper (mahout) is not certainly respected in the local culture and doesn’t have a high reputation. In order to change the perception and point of view, Elephant Nature Park puts an effort to educate people and build a better image about this position. The whole family of a mahout can be hired to work at the park regarding their own capabilities and wishes. Besides that, the children of these families receive all the support needed to attend the local schools and get educated. So far, this community seems to be expanding a lot recently.

On our last day, we’ve been delighted to meet Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park and take part in the discussions, watch a very dramatic documentary as well as hear her brilliant speech. Chailert has devoted her life to the conservation of this endangered species and is better known as an Elephant Whisperer.

We both feel completely blessed with this rare opportunity and it’s definitely not the last one. Nothing really compares to having your breakfast and drowning yourself in the sounds of lush jungle with the view of elephants all happy fooling around in the mud!