Excitement at the Ellie Park

Soooo many photos of elephants. This was my Christmas present: a weekend stay at the Elephant Nature Park on the Mae Taeng River. No logging, no street begging, no rides, no artificial performances: just elephants allowed to do their thing, build new family units, and heal the scars of years of mistreatment (the customary "breaking in" of elephants in this country is torture). With some friends I'd sponsored a baby ellie called Tong Jan as a wedding present last year for a friend, so it was time to go and visit.

schmackers all round (with bread rewards); check out my bungalow's view!

There has been a sharp decline in the number of Asian elephants in Thailand, particularly after the logging ban in 1989. There aren't many left in the wild either - habitat loss and being the target of farmers losing their crops has seen to that. This park stands out as a haven for some elephants, a "re-learning" centre for humans, and the face of an emergency medical unit, the Jumbo Express, which also provides support to hilltribes.

THE SERIOUS STUFF

blinded Jokia; a landmine victim; severe deformity from a broken leg and pelvis

THE FUN STUFF

baby mud pool; lazying in the river

eating in the scrub; dirt application for sun protection

our walk to the river; happy elephants left to make mischief

THE ARTY FARTY STUFF

the lunch box; trunk detail; mountains of leftovers (to avoid pesticides)

I met a volunteer who is starting up an Australian charity link to the park - let me know if you are interested! I think Great Outdoors were filming here last week, so keep a look out. It was a fun weekend - some solitude once the day trippers had headed back. Lots of rescued cats & dogs to befriend too.

BTW: Yes, Jen won't be riding elephants no more.......