It is not unusual that on the night in a bar or a restaurant in Chiang Mai and hear the sound of a trumpeting elephant. However, it almost seems like a typical day in the life of an ordinary elephant. Unfortunately for some, but has just that. Although the number declined in recent years, a handful of streets mahouts still these creatures of the jungle take in trade, begging on a pub crawl at night to feed. You walk around with pocketsPeanuts, especially in crowded tourist areas, the bags and threw the peanuts to the elephants. Many people are also some financial contribution in order to have a photo taken with them while you tilt a cocktail. One must admit that is a bit "new and difficult experience something more Western in their hometown.
Elephants have long been a integral part of Thai society and culture for hundreds of years. They were often used as a carrier in the battles for the kings andother officers of the Royal. One was the population of elephants in Thailand, about 100,000, compared to 4,000 today. Elephants were often captured and used for recording and then went after its ban in late 1980, in many tourism industry in several shows, hiking registered, together with street begging, and often abused.
A person who has tried quite successfully, an elephant abuse and return to a natural environment is an endWoman named Lek. It is hard to imagine that she is on the first frame petite able to encapsulate the greatest spirit of life.
Lek I read when I saw elephant trekking and golf for the site of a friend. I had not thought much about the ethical aspects of the various tour packages, until I came across an article that this woman, who had named one of Time Magazine's "2005 Asian Hero of the Year describes." The more I read about his work withElephants and the Elephant Nature Park was created Kingdom is not far from the city of Chiang Mai, I could not help but recommend persuaded to surrender, which at any other place in.
There is a wealth of information for interested parties and all the elephant riding tourist office has stacks of brochures to choose from. I, however, referred to read more about her alternative. I drove out of town early one morning for about an hour and walked towards the entrance to the ElephantNatural Park. I had expected, and when we arrived, a woman standing near the kitchen, check out and beckoned me to come. And 'Lek was and she was busy helping to prepare a meal every day for more than 60 full-time employees and many volunteers.
Upstairs, visitors per day and the leaders were gathered, drank coffee and tea in a large building in the Thai style of wood. The reasons, even if they are managed well to the natural beauty of the jungle retreat with plenty to keep openRoom, surrounded by mountains. I took a seat near a tree and the environment soaked stupor.
About 30 minutes later Lek motioned to follow her and we went to a group of elephants. There was no conversation. I just stood there and watched while stroking and playing with an elephant four months old child for more than 30 minutes. Later he told me that this was part of his daily routine.
is in contrast to typical elephant camps there is no elephant ride at Elephant Nature ParkThere are no organized events. However, there is absolutely no shortage of entertainment just by observing their behavior is often very playful, while they are at the river every day. Guests are invited to visit the park creatures swimming in the observance of certain guidelines for safety.
All elephants Lek acquired in its relief efforts suffered some form of physical or psychological abuse. Outside the restaurant, on the wall, the photos displayed with a briefBiography of each. The camp is funded by private donations paid by volunteers, including fees.
In the afternoon, once had time to break from his daily elephants, Lek and I sat on a tree and told me more about the mahout. His goal is certainly to get the elephants off the road, but it is in accordance with their trainers, and. Feels like an alternative that allows them to still make a living are given. All the mahouts in his camp arewith accommodation, meals and a monthly stipend. Helps obtain legal documents for those who arrive without papers. His tone lacked Judgement of the mahouts, but a need for greater education and understanding. Spoke softly but firmly, she expressed a desire for his compatriot to more interest in the situation of these vulnerable animals are increasing.
Meanwhile, the elephants roamed freely in the surrounding fields, with their mahouts were sitting silently nearby, only a fewand others in small groups. During our conversation, occasionally looked back Lek short, like a mother her children while playing in a park, the connection between Lek and her staff is so obvious as in elephant. There is mutual respect, which lingers in the air, and radiates a shared love, feel each of them call for the sanctuary it now at home.
Volunteers can register in programs at the park overnight or up to four weeks and participate in daily life withMammals, including sanitary and work with the mahouts. In order to relieve stress on the elephants and maintaining a secure environment, only a small number of tourists, who can inhabit the park every day.
Future plans include the acquisition of more land by more elephants and trainers who have become part of this conservation project. Elephant Nature Park offers a unique alternative to road mahout and tourists. They do not allow unscheduled visits, but there is an officein the city of Chiang Mai with detailed information about the organization of visits.
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