Experience Conservation: Visiting the Elephant Nature Park

The Elephant Nature Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of elephants in Thailand. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with elephants from an educational standpoint. Unlike typical tourist attractions, the park allows visitors to observe elephants grazing, playing, and interacting naturally, rather than performing tricks or being ridden.

Every elephant at the park has been rescued from harsh working conditions, abuse, and neglect by untrained mahouts. The foundation maintains detailed documentation of each elephant’s history, enabling visitors to learn about their individual stories.

Led by the renowned owner, Lek, who has received numerous awards for her outstanding work, the park allows elephants to roam freely as they would in the wild. However, due to their past trauma, they require ongoing care and support.

The organization also operates an outreach program called ‘Jumbo Express,’ which provides emergency medical care to elephants in remote regions of Thailand. By building trust within these communities, the program educates locals about better practices for working with elephants, ultimately aiming to improve their lives.

Your visit to the Elephant Nature Park will help sustain its vital mission for years to come.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and stop at a local fruit market to gather supplies for the elephants. Afterward, you will spend a full day getting to know the elephants and learning about their biology, psychology, and behavior from knowledgeable specialists.

If you’re interested in a longer stay, the park also provides simple accommodations for overnight guests.