The happy life of elephants at the Patara Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
I’m sorry for interrupting the usual “Travel Deeper Australia” series, but I just had to share my exciting detour to Thailand for the 10-day #ThaiFitChallenge. It was an event organized by Amazing Thailand, GoPro, and Adidas where I joined three other YouTubers on a thrilling adventure that involved kayaking, kickboxing, and volunteering at an elephant sanctuary. This is the first of four videos showcasing our action-packed journey, starting with the Thailand Elephant Experience. Our base was the beautiful Anantara Resort in Chiang Mai, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Our first challenge was not the typical touristy elephant ride, but rather an opportunity to truly understand how to take care of these majestic creatures in Thailand.
We spent the day at Patara Elephant Farm, a sanctuary that provides care and healing for elephants. Each of us was paired with an elephant and a caregiver for the day. My companion was Boon Gin, a 21-year-old male who had been rescued from a circus. He enjoys gentle massages and peaceful strolls through the forest. During our time together, I learned about identifying signs of an unhealthy elephant, as well as the crucial methods of Rescue, Rehabilitation, Breeding, and Regeneration used to maintain elephant health. After an exciting day, Boon Gin retired to the mountains for some much-needed rest, and we were given some playtime with the adorable baby elephant, also known as the “thigh elephant” online. The little one greeted us with affectionate snuggles and playful behavior, ending our day on a heartwarming note.
While I recommend checking out elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, it’s crucial to conduct extensive research beforehand, especially when visiting animal sanctuaries. The elephant tourism industry in Thailand is massive, and regrettably, not all establishments exhibit the appropriate respect for these majestic creatures. To ensure their safety and wellbeing, avoid places that employ hooks for manipulating elephants or saddles that permit multiple individuals to ride them. Such practices could cause stress and physical injury to the animals.
As I spent more time with Boon Gin, I realized that each elephant has its own distinct personality. These magnificent creatures are so much more than their impressive size and physical attributes. They are highly intelligent and emotional beings who display a range of feelings, much like us humans. Watching Boon Gin up close, I could see the spark of wonder in his eyes when he encountered something new, or the way his body would visibly relax when he was receiving his favorite back rub. On warmer days, he would sometimes show signs of discomfort as he sought refuge in the shade of nearby trees.
We had the pleasure of spending time with an adorable baby elephant who stole the show. Despite being so young, she was full of energy and mischief, earning the nickname of “thigh elephant.” Her enthusiastic snuggles and playful attempts at wrestling with us showcased her curiosity and happiness. Watching her playful nature was heartwarming and a reminder of their innocence and fragility.
It was truly humbling and deeply moving to observe such a profound outpouring of emotions. This experience reinforced the significance of conservation efforts for these majestic creatures. Every living being, including elephants, deserves to live their life peacefully and without any harm or exploitation.
It’s important to keep in mind that animal conservation means more than just rescuing animals. It’s about protecting their emotions, experiences, and their right to live without pain or distress.
After spending the day at the Patara Elephant Farm, I felt a deep admiration for these majestic animals and a strong desire to continue advocating for their well-being. The #ThaiFitChallenge wasn’t only about taking beautiful pictures, but also about learning more about elephants and their importance in our world. We must work together to protect and preserve these incredible creatures for future generations.
How do you feel about the conservation of elephants? Have you had any remarkable experiences with animals that you’d like to share? Please leave your comments and engage in the discussion! We value your opinions, as every voice is crucial in the effort to protect animal rights. Let’s keep the conversation alive, and if you’re interested in forming a deep emotional bond with a baby elephant in Thailand, feel free to share your thoughts below.
