One thing I knew without a doubt that I wanted to experience here in Thailand was to share space with elephants. I have always loved elephants, more than any other creature, yes even cats. ๐ After doing hours of research to find just the right fit, I settled on one group. The best experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai is my post for today.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
It was important for me to find a place that was ethically sound and whom I shared a similar philosophy with, about caring for these majestic beings. Even though this was not the cheapest option, I chose EJS.
EJS began in 2014 as a joint initiative between the Karen hill-tribes and locals from Chiang Mai who were concerned about the welfare of the elephants of Thailand. Starting with only three rescued ellies, they now have four camps in four different provinces in Thailand.
EJS aims to provide as many elephants as possible with happiness, health, safety and freedom. They do not train or force the animals to perform tricks and they do not allow visitors to ride the ellies. Visitors enjoy participating in the daily care of the elephants, thatโs it. ๐
Half Day Visit
I chose this option, it fit my schedule and the length of time I would enjoy being out in the sun. This option includes transportation to and from Chiang Mai, which is 1.5 hours each way. Visitors meet the elephants and learn about them and their behaviours. Help to feed them, bathe them and join the ellies in a mud bath! Here is a break down of the day.
Arrival
I was picked up from my location at 7:15am (normal pick up is between 6:30-7am) in a new and super clean mini bus. After driving through the city, past farm fields and into the jungle, we arrived around 8:15. A quick change into the traditional Karen clothing and visitors are offered a cup of tea/coffee and introduced to the leaders and each other.
Then all head down to the large paddock and see the elephants for the first time!
Bananas
The initial encounter with the elephants is feeding them little finger bananas. I could tell they were hungry and excited; they were pacing back and forth behind their barricade, their trunks extending towards us. We were asked to hold the banana up high and it was super sweet to have these lovely creatures reach out and take your nana from your hand.
Grass
After the banana baskets were empty, the mahouts (elephant caretakers) led the ellies out of the paddock to pre-arranged piles of large blade grass. Here we were allowed to stand beside and touch the elephant while they snacked on the grass.
Oh wow if this wasnโt a pure delight. At this camp, #4, included three adults and 2 babies, ages 4 and 6. I was free to walk around and touch each one, interacting with them as best I could for their size is truly overwhelming.
This point of the day was the best time for me to take photographs of these beautiful beasts. Study their eyes, toe nails, tail hair and hides. What an experience to be this close and personal with my lovelies. The hair on the babies was much softer than the adults, but still felt like a wire bristle brush. ๐
Vitamin Balls
After time spent with the ellies, we were led back to the main hall where we had a water break and learned how to make vitamin balls for the elephants. It is so very important to their diet to have balanced nutrition. Relying too heavily on the grass will make the ellies unwell.
The vitamin balls consisted of rice, salt, rice husks, bananas, greens pellets (for gas) and grass blades. Everything is combined and pummelled in a wooden mortar. These balls we fed to the elephants at their water trough. Some like them and some didnโt. ๐ Picky eaters and all.
Bath Time
Next was a quick change into a bathing suit and we walked down to the โriverโ to give the elephants a bath! Can you imagine how amazing this was?? The water was cold and muddy with big boulders hidden below the surface. I was not letting anything get in the way of this experience though and was glad I took part.
Mud Spa
Following the elephants as they left the river on their own accord, we then headed over for the mud spa. Fewer of the visitors joined in this activity, but again, I was here for the full immersive experience. The ground was thick and gooey, the water warm.
Bending down to scoop big handfuls of mud, I covered the big boyโs back as best I could. It was so much fun and yucky at the same time. ๐คฃ
Lunch
Can you believe four hours have already passed? Yes indeed, now its time to have a shower. The bathroom and washing facilities at EJS are plentiful and clean. Shampoo and soap are provided as well.
The ellies were led back to the paddock to roam and munch on grass. We were back in the big hall, and served a buffet of warm savoury dishes and fruit.
Time to depart, it was 1pm. I was driven back to my accommodation in Chiang Mai and was in the shower at 2:30. What a perfect day and an experience I will never ever forget.
Cost: $1,900 baht or $72 CAD
Experience: Priceless ๐โบ๏ธ๐๐
