First of all I should say when I decided to come to Thailand I originally made the decission to not ride an elephant, as I thought it was cruel and disagree with how many are kept and treated. However, I am so glad this place changed my mind and brought to light that there are some special people/ places who are trying to do wonderful things.
We were taught about elephant adaptations, traits and learnt about each individuals character but most importantly we learnt about what the park does to help them. They rescue elephants from logging companies, from being used as ways of begging and injuries. They do NOT teach them stupid tricks for entertainment, make them carry heavy uncomfortable giant seats to give tourists rides and do not punish them.
They get feed 250kg of food everyday (not including treats e.g bananas and sugar cane), they are kept exercised for health, taken to the watering hole to play and bath three times a day and their individual keeper is with them 12 hrs a day and 24hr a day if the elephant is pregnant. Who are actually beautiful caring best friends for the elephants.
I stayed the night there with my three best friends after a day I will never forget, to be brought to the keepers hutts and feed incredible Thai cuisine and home made rum . While sitting in a little bamboo hutt, singing while the keepers played funny 90's sing-a-longs on the guitar.
I will always keep this beautiful elephant HOME very close to my heart and would recommend everyone to visit this wonderful helpful important sancuary if you happen to be visiting Thailand.
