I know it’s a bit of a throwback post, but I believe it’s ALWAYS worth mentioning these beautiful creatures…
Thailand is a magical place, full of tropical escapes, hidden beaches and islands teeming with wildlife, culture and sunsets you can only dream of. I’ve visited Thailand many times, on a variety of trips, be it bar-hopping down Bangla Road, floating markets in Bangkok or Island escapes for a touch of paradise. Some of my favourite memories come from a place that’s very special to my heart in the north of the country in Chang Mai. 
The Elephant Nature Park is without doubt a wondrous place, where Ele’s roam free, eating organically and swim without fear in the rivers that run through the plantation. Volunteers help with everything from washing and preparing the food, to applying the medicine that some of the Ele’s need, to building the tree-houses that visitors stay in. It’s a very hands on society and you’ll never hear a grumble out of anyone there. 
The truth here about the Ele’s and their trapped-in-tourism futures is that they aren’t well fed, free or happy. Elephants are fierce creatures by nature, but in Thailand there’s a lot to be said about their lack of spirit. Taken through very specific ‘treatments’ as infants, these nellies are removed of their ‘wild spirits’ and taught to comply with human handlers. Not a detail I want to describe here, but trust me when I say it’s heartbreaking to see. Most of those at the park will have started life as domesticated elephants begging on the streets. 
The elephant rides you see advertised everywhere have all put their beauties through this treatment, it’s horrid to see them tied up to a pole next to the road, without shade or water. You may recall see them swinging their heads from side to side too – perhaps it’s an early sign of the elephants going slightly mad, perhaps it’s boredom – either way, wouldn’t you rather see them as a family swimming, drinking, trumpeting as you float down the river enjoying the tropical sights instead? 
The Elephant Nature Park is a wonderful place to volunteer in like I did… learn about Lek and her incredible voyage of kindness as she buys these elephants back from their handlers (mahouts) and helps those still stuck in captivity. Releasing them into her sanctuary where they are looked after by mahouts who care for them without sticks, nails, electricity… 
There are other hotspots in Thailand who are helping to preserve these giants too, like at Thailand’s Golden Triangle Anantara resort where they have a ‘walking with giants’ experience as apposed to trekking with them.
I look forward to the days where Thailand is animal tourism free… but there’s a long way still to go. The biggest thing to take away from all that I’ve written, is not to support the animal tourism trade in Thailand at all… walk with them, don’t ride them! 
