Elephant Nature Park - découvrez les éléphants de Thailande

A Humanitarian Journey to the Heart of Elephant Nature Park

In 2023, I fulfilled my dream.

I traveled to Thailand to embark on a volunteered with elephants, at Elephant Nature Park. Seeing elephants in their (almost) natural environment had been my dream ever since I learned that I could dream. Elephants have always fascinated me, sparking a desire to learn more about them. My goal was to get to know them up close before it was too late. That’s how I found myself in early November 2023 for a month in Chiang Maiand Chiang Raiin northern Thailand. I've always traveled, but this was the first time since I arrived in France in 2006 that I traveled entirely alone.Without the purpose of meeting friends or family, I was alone with myself.

I meticulously planned my stay, scheduling two weeks at Elephant Nature Park and two weeks in Chiang Mai. At least, that was the initial plan. Very quickly, this plan took a completely different turn, but that will be a story for another time.

Founded in 1996 by animal rights activist Lek ChailertElephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai has a deeply inspiring history. The founders of this sanctuary created an ethical refuge to provide a safe haven for mistreated elephants. Lek Chailert is known for her dedication to the welfare of elephants. She has worked tirelessly to rescue these majestic animals from exploitation, abuse, and captivity. The park has evolved into a model of conservation and education, offering visitors the chance to experience respectful interaction with elephants while contributing to their preservation. The story of Elephant Nature Park is an uplifting tale of passion, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting Asian elephants.

The Start of the Adventure at Elephant Nature Park

There I was in Chiang Mai after a long flight from Frankfurt, via Beijing. I finally set foot in this country, which I knew nothing about, and quickly fell in love with it. I planned a day of "rest" to manage the jet lag before starting my mission. I’ll discuss my adventures in Chiang Mai later. However, I must emphasize that this city is worth visiting and exploring for weeks. One quickly falls under the charm of its night markets, temples, and lively streets. But back to the main story: my two weeks of voluntourism at the park. I emphasize the term voluntourism because the mission was paid. Volunteers pay for the opportunity to spend a week at the park, as well as for accommodation, food, and the chance to help.

The park offers several types of “stays,” each with different programs: one day, two days and one night, three days and two nights, one week. I chose the one-week option, which I renewed for a second week. Upon arriving at the association’s office on Monday morning, I didn’t really know what to expect. The day before, I had met Eva, another volunteer who, like me, was staying two weeks at the park. Together, we imagined that we would be a small group of 15 to 20 people. However, at the office, I met other volunteers from various parts of the world, and that’s when I realized we would be much more numerous. The park employs 500 people and hosts about 50 volunteers each week, along with hundreds of daily tourists. Cool—future new friends. I was excited!

The Journey to Elephant Nature Park

I spent the two-hour drive in the minibus asking questions to Erin, an Australian who was visiting the park for the fourth time. The further we went, the more butterflies I had in my stomach. Elephants! Real elephants—not locked in cages, not in circuses, not made of wood or plush.

The moment that stirred the most emotion in me was when I spotted the “Elephants Crossing” sign by the roadside. Coming from Europe, I wasn’t used to this kind of road sign. That’s when it truly sank in that I was going to meet real, living elephants.

The anticipation was rewarded when we finally arrived at the park. At just five meters away, seeing them, I couldn’t tell if I cried or laughed. The urge to scream, cry, and dance overwhelmed me, but I managed to hold it in. I had two weeks ahead of me to express all these emotions. I followed our guides to join the rest of the group and get information about the days ahead.

The Volunteers and the Missions

This week at the park, we were a team of 54 volunteers from various nationalities, mostly English-speaking (from the United States and Australia). I quickly found a small group of French people with whom I had the pleasure of spending the next two weeks. Upon arrival, we received our weekly schedule, detailing various manual tasks essential for the elephants’ well-being, such as cleaning up after them, cleaning enclosures, cutting grass for food, unloading fruit trucks, as well as an in-depth tour of the park. Three vegan meals per day—morning, noon, and night—structured our days. The rooms were set up in two- or four-person configurations, providing a friendly living space that fostered exchanges between volunteers from different cultures.

After our first meal at the park and the presentation of the upcoming week’s program, the guides showed us a video outlining the rules for interacting with the park’s animals, followed by a short film on the issue of elephant abuse. Let’s get straight to the point.

Les éléphants en Thailande et dans le monde

Elephant abuse persists in various contexts, such as circuses, logging, and tourism. To "tame" elephants and make them docile, people use a technique called "Phajaan," which literally means "Breaking the elephant’s spirit." This brutal and coercive method is often used to train elephants for activities like elephant rides. In circuses, elephants often endure unsuitable living conditions. They are forced to perform against their nature and often suffer from severe discipline. Logging, where elephants are used to haul heavy loads of wood, causes injuries, exhausting work conditions, and takes them away from their natural habitat. These forms of abuse highlight the crucial importance of promoting more ethical and respectful practices towards these majestic animals.

Our hearts, as well as those of all the volunteers present at the park that day, were broken by the images and words. The cruelty of humans seems to know no bounds, especially when money is involved. We quickly understood that our primary mission at the park was not so much about practical tasks but about raising awareness. Understanding the reality faced by elephants and spreading the word was our main goal.

Les animaux du Elephant Nature park

During these first days at the park, we also met Darrick, Lek’s husband. Clearly, a person passionate about animals. Like his wife, he is actively involved in the park and the fight for animal rights, as well as for the freedom of elephants worldwide. Darrick gave us two tours of the park, showing us areas not accessible to tourists and teaching us the stories of the elephants.

Every elephant in the park has a unique story to share. Some were rescued from tourist activities such as elephant rides, city performances, and circuses, while others were used in fields and logging operations. They endured unimaginable trauma, and the scars remain to this day. However, they all share one common trait: they are at the park to live out the remainder of their lives in more humane conditions.

Les chiens deu park

Some elephants have lived at the park since its inception, while others stayed only a few years before succumbing to old age or illness. Slowly, they are relearning how to trust humans again, but unfortunately, they will never be able to reenter the wild and live in total freedom.

Elephant Nature Park is not only home to elephants but also to about 800 dogs, 1,100 cats, and water buffalo. In the mornings or afternoons, after the day’s work, I was able to help out at the dog shelter and walk handicapped dogs. Volunteers dedicate their time each day to supporting this mission entirely managed by them. These four-legged companions have found a place where they are treated with love and compassion. Some were rescued from difficult situations, while others were born in the shelter. Each dog has its own unique story, but they all share the privilege of living in a caring environment, surrounded by dedicated volunteers.

En conclusion

My experience at Elephant Nature Park was deeply transformative. Every day, I witnessed the dedicated work carried out by the park to ensure the well-being and preservation of elephants, as well as other animals such as dogs and cats. Lek and her team’s passion and commitment inspired me with deep respect. Their daily dedication to raising awareness about animal rights, saving lives, and creating a compassionate environment are concrete testimonies of their positive impact.

Indeed, the park doesn’t just provide a safe haven for elephants; it also strives to educate and encourage respectful coexistence between animals and humans. My stay was more than just an experience—it was an immersion into a world where protecting animal life is a daily mission. I leave with profound respect and endless gratitude to Lek and her extraordinary team.

Despite this extremely positive experience, I chose not to extend my stay at Elephant Nature Park. Instead, I decided to venture into the "jungle," to explore another volunteer project offered by the park’s founders and Save the Elephant Foundation.I was motivated by the desire to broaden my horizons and contribute to other initiatives that also work towards protecting nature and animals. It was an opportunity to diversify my experiences while continuing to support causes I deeply care about.
But that’s another story. une autre histoire.

Ainsi

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