Elephant Nature Park

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For other uses, see Elephant sanctuary (disambiguation).


Elephant Nature Park
Date opened 1990s
Location Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Land area 250 acres (100 ha)
Number of animals 37
Number of species 1 (Asian elephant)
Website www.elephantnaturepark.org
File:Navann was born at the park Oct 2012.jpg
Navaan, born at the park October 2012, with founder Lek Chailert.
File:Female elephant with baby Elephant Nature Park.JPG
Female elephant (Dok Ngern, 15 years with newly born Dok Mai (23 days)

Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand, approximately 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Chiang Mai City. Founded in 1996, the project's aim is to provide sanctuary for distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the sanctuary and surrounding area also offers a glimpse of rural life.

Background

Its founder, Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, was born in 1962 in the small hill tribe village of Baan Lao in Northern Thailand.[1] Her maternal grandfather was a tribal man of the forest and a traditional healer, Lek's jungle forays with him led to an early understanding of nature. When she was young, her family cared for an elephant which became a close companion to her. This affection led to working with elephants in the forests.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts from Chiang Mai University, Lek Chailert founded the Elephant Heaven Nature Park in 1996, in an attempt to provide a sanctuary for elephants to live in a peaceful natural environment. This location was closed in 2003 as the Elephant Nature Park opened.

The park has close ties with Chiang Mai-based Save Elephant Foundation, also founded by Lek Chailert.

Location

The park is set in Mae Taeng valley, Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand. It is located some 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai International Airport. In an area which abounds with elephant parks and camps, this is the only one which rescues mistreated elephants, allows them heal and to live naturally in their self-chosen family groups. The park area comprises 250 acres (100 ha).

Rescue of elephants

Elephant Nature Park has rescued over 37 distressed elephants throughout the country, with an emphasis on surrounding Northern Thailand areas. The park's current herd includes disabled, orphaned, blind, and rescued elephants of all ages. Most elephants have been rescued from street begging, logging, or tourism. Some outlived their usefulness to loggers while others became useless to trekking camp owners.

Three elephants are as old as 64 while five young elephants (aged 1 to 5) were born in the park.

Chailert's work takes her deep into the jungles of Northern Thailand where, with the help of medical staff, she treats tribal villagers and their families with medical care and, often, donated clothing. Her "Jumbo Express" program provides much needed care to elephants in the jungles in Chiang Mai province and beyond. A veterinarian from the park also provides medical care to sick elephants in remote areas.

Philosophy

The emphasis is on rescue and conservation rather than shows or training. Park sustainability and preservation programs are focused on local culture, common sense, and a deep conviction in preservation of the region. In one program, individual trees are saved by tying sacred saffron cloth around each tree, which locals are the reluctant to cut down, fearing insults to jungle spirits.

Over 400 dogs, 50 buffalo, 30 cats, 2 horses, 2 pigs, a monkey and a cow also live at the park.

The park is open to visitors all year round and also welcomes overnight stays as well as longer-term volunteer placements.[2]

Acknowledgments

Lek Chailert's efforts have been recognised worldwide and numerous reports have appeared on television and print media including National Geographic and the Smithsonian Society,[3] but also feature documentaries from numerous film production companies including Animal Planet, the BBC, and CNN. Most notably, Lek Chailert was named Asian Hero of the Year by Time magazine in 2005 and received in the White House by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2010.

Awards for park and founder

Interaction with elephants in the park

  • Feeding elephants Elephant Nature Park.jpg

    Feeding an elephant in a tailor-made shelter

  • Feeding elephant at Elephant Nature Park.JPG

    Feeding an elephant in the open

  • Mahout Elephant Nature Park.JPG

    Mahout feeding an elephant

  • Mahout with young elephant

  • Elephant nature park.JPG

    Volunteers throwing water at elephants to help them cool down

References

  1. ↑ http://www.elephantnaturefoundationuk.org/elephant-nature-foundation/about-the-founder/
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ http://www.chiangraitimes.com/news/5141.html
  5. ↑ http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/media-center/30/5265-Ms.-Sangduen-Lek-Chailert-receives-Good-Deed-Award.html
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ http://www.saveelephant.org/about-save-elephant-foundation/founder-sangduen-lek-chailert/

External links

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