Founded in Chiang Mai, Thailand in the 1990s, Elephant Nature Park rescues, treats, rehabilitates and provides refuge to thousands of animals.
Along with 120 Asian Elephants, they also care for some 2000 cats, around 500 dogs, buffalos, horses, pigs, rabbits, cows and many other species. I was completely taken back by the amount of animals being cared for during a 1 week volunteering stint in 2023.
Along with the running of the park, the founder Lek is at the forefront of the animal rights and conservation movements within Asia, winning many awards, including Asian Hero of the Year by Time Magazine. Her team work tirelessly to halt horrific practices like Elephant driven logging, Elephant circus performances and Elephant riding by tourists.
During the week I learnt about the plight of the Asian Elephant in an ever-changing world. It was so refreshing to also learn about the many ways in which this particular organisation is pushing back by providing education, fighting for policy change and expanding the sanctuary capacity.
My duties and optional extras through the week included-
- Food preparation
- Cleaning the elephant night enclosures
- Playing with the cats during breaks
- Walking the dogs (all of which were in buggies due to accidents to their back legs)
- Assisting with another elephant organisation a short drive away
This was such a special week and I loved to mix of practical work, coupled with the educational components. Along with 1 week+ volunteer programs, the park also provides 1 and 2 day visit experiences.
If you’re ever in Northern Thailand, the Animal Nature Park is a must. To learn more, visit https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/