My Date with the Elephants in Pattaya

This was the trip I was looking forward the most!  I’d heard of this Sanctuary for rescued Elephants as my Granddaughter had visited one in Thailand in Chiang Mai.  So when I found out that one of the ports of call was Bangkok, I arranged a half day trip to visit the Sanctuary.

These elephants have been used in the Tourism trade, to make money by overworking them, treating them without the care, respect and dignity these wonderful creatures deserve.  I’m sure you have read many stories in the press and social media about Mother elephants shot and killed and their babies only a few months old, orphaned and forced to work within the tourist industry for unscrupulous traders.

The Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project located approximately 60km from the city of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Founded in July 2014, it is a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill-tribes and Chiang Mai locals who were concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand.

I hate to see these images and hearing about tourists bragging about how they have ridden an elephant, without perhaps knowing the brutal reality this tourist activity.

So back to my trip.    Once we had docked in Laem Chabang, around 2hrs drive from BangKok, and an hour from the Sanctuary in Pattaya .

We booked a private transfer with 4 other people from the ship and set off for the Sanctuary.  Upon arrival we were given a warm welcome, with fresh water and snacks, whilst the elephants were transferred from their outdoor enclosure to the feeding area.  The Guides gave us information regarding the background of the Sanctuary and the elephants, and shown how to approach them and behave around them, in order to give them confidence in us.

First we were greeted by an adult female, and a 2year old male elephant.  He had only just been rescued 2 weeks previously, and was still very wary of humans.  He had been made to ‘dance’ for them.  Consequently when he arrived, he shook his head from side to side, in an attempt to please, and escape punishment – very sad to see.  More female elephants were brought out and gently surrounded the youngster, to help him get used to us visitors.  We were then allowed to approach and feed them bananas, sugar cane and pineapples. We were given ponchos to wear in order for the elephants to recognise that we were friendly and safe.

Afterwards, once they had been fed, we were able to walk with them to the mud bath area. Giving them ‘Elephant Fuel’ (more bananas, sugar cane and pineapple) along the short walk  – great fun for both us and the elephants!  Once at the mud bath and with more instruction from our Guides, we were allowed to join the elephants for their daily mud bath, which meant smothering them in the mud to cool and clean their skin which is susceptible to sun burn.  Then once we were ALL smothered in mud, it was off to the swimming pool, where we were given a scrubbing brush each, to clean the mud off and let the elephants enjoy a swim!

Afterwards, us humans had a shower of our own, to get rid of the mud (How much this kind of treatment would cost in a Spa would be alot more!) The elephants were then taken back to their outdoor enclosure, to relax for the rest of the day.  Whilst we were taken to the main camp for a delicious lunch.  Afterwards the Guide showed us what they do with the Elephant ‘waste product’. of which there is quite alot.  Incredibly they have invented a way of turning their dung into paper!  We were shown each stage of the process and inviting to make our own paper, and showed us the finished product, which are Sun Unbrellas (obviously not rain unbrellas, they wouldnt last 5 minutes! and envelopes.

This experience was one of the highlights not only of my holiday but of my life, and the memories will stay with me forever.  If you get a chance to visit a Sanctuary, please do.  Did You Know? Elephant spines are not the same as horses or humans. Their discs or plates protrude  out from the spine which cant bear heavy loads. Over time, these discs become deformed and degenerate, causing huge pain.

Please dont opt to ride an elephant on your travels or support Elephant Nature Parks which offer Elephant rides. Respect these wonderful creatures.

Pattaya