Pack your trunks! It’s Miriam’s Elephant Escapade!
Today, Miriam and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Bamboo Elephant Family Care, an elephant rescue center located north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. This visit was not only a delightful experience for both of us but also an eye-opening journey into the world of ethical elephant care.
History of elephants and Thailand
Elephants hold a special place in Thai culture. Historically, they have been revered as symbols of royal power, strength, and wisdom. White elephants are considered sacred and are associated with the monarchy. Economically, elephants have played a significant role in Thailand's history, especially in the logging industry, where they were used for their strength and endurance. Today, they continue to be a major draw for tourism, contributing to the economy. However, it is essential to support ethical tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of these magnificent animals. Elephants have faced significant mistreatment. Many have been subjected to harsh conditions where training methods often involves hooks or knives. Many of the animals we saw today still bare the physical and psychological scars from their earlier lives. Additionally, less ethical elephant attractions will let several people ride at once many times over the course of a day leading to significant back, joint, and other health issues.
Ethical centers like Bamboo Elephant Family Care are crucial as they provide a safe haven for rescued elephants (many we saw today were former circus members) ensuring they live in a natural and humane environment. Unfortunately, elephants that were raised in a domesticated environment cannot be re-released to the wild and they lack the necessary survival skills and can be killed by other Elephants who do not accept them into their herd. These centers focus on the well-being of the elephants, avoiding exploitative activities and instead promote interactions that are respectful and enriching for both the elephants and visitors.
The Karen people, an ethnic group primarily residing in Thailand and Myanmar, specifically have a long and special history of involvement with elephants. They are traditionally known for their deep connection with elephants and historically have been involved in domesticating and training elephants for various purposes such as transportation, logging, and agricultural work. They developed a special bond with the elephants and employed gentle and humane training techniques to establish a working relationship based on trust and mutual respect Elephants hold a special place in Karen culture and traditions. They are often featured in Karen folklore, rituals, and ceremonies, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and prosperity. The center we visited today was owned and operated by a Karen family.
Our adventure today!
From the moment we arrived, Miriam was captivated by the elephants. The staff at Bamboo Elephant Family Care were exceptional, providing comfortable two-way transportation from our condo in Chiang Mai, as well as a delicious lunch of vegetarian Pad Thai. Their dedication to education was evident from the start, as they shared fascinating insights about the elephants and their care.
One of the highlights for Miriam was the opportunity to pet the elephants' trunks. She was thrilled to feel the rough yet gentle touch of their trunks as they reached out to her. Feeding the elephants was another joyous activity. Miriam laughed with delight as she handed bananas and sugarcane to the eager elephants, who accepted the treats with their dexterous trunks.
The most unforgettable part of our visit was bathing with the elephants in the river. Miriam and I waded into the cool river and were able to help bathe and scrub the elephants, which they seemed to enjoy the bath as much as we did, playfully splashing water with their trunks. Rambo, a baby, would also swim and submerge himself in the water. Miriam's laughter echoed through the air as she helped scrub the elephants' backs, creating memories that I hope she will cherish forever.
The staff also introduced us to an "Elephant Cooking Class," where we learned to make protein balls for the elephants. This hands-on activity involved mixing ingredients like rice, bananas, and vitamins to create nutritious treats. Miriam was fascinated by the process and took great pride in helping mix and grind the ingredients. She was a little timid at first feeding the protein balls to the elephants, but soon was all about in knowing she was contributing to their health and well-being.
The staff at Bamboo Elephant Family Care were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly warm and welcoming. Their passion for elephant conservation was evident in every aspect of our visit. They ensured we had a memorable and educational experience, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals and the importance of ethical tourism.
Our visit to Bamboo Elephant Family Care was a truly enriching experience. Miriam and I left with hearts full of joy and a newfound respect for the incredible work being done to protect and care for elephants. If you ever find yourself in northern Thailand, I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful sanctuary. It's a visit that will leave you with lasting memories and a profound sense of connection to these gentle giants.
Hello, World!
