#elephantsantuary

[lovingcare-1210pro]

baby ellie dances 💗

[misskstravels]

How to Choose an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Thailand is the ultimate holiday destination for many people across the world. Beaming with beautiful beaches, delicious food, lush forests and nature, Thailand is a sweet haven for the person tired of working and in need of a relaxing yet satisfying trip away.

Oh, and Thailand is home to thousands of beautiful elephants just waiting for you to ride, bathe and play with them. Notice something slightly off with what I just said? That’s because it is, yet so many people turn a blind eye to it, or even worse, think they are visiting a proper sanctuary and yet are unknowingly supporting unfair and downright cruel treatment of elephants.

With more and more awareness surrounding the cruelty of riding elephants, many companies are resorting to buying aka “rescuing” elephants and bringing them to the sanctuary where humans can interact with them on a deep and personal level. Some of these interactions are not in the best interest of the elephant, in fact, some claim they are ‘sanctuaries’, but are in fact just money-hungry entertainment venues in disguise.

Here is what to avoid when it comes to picking a (truly) ethical elephant sanctuary:

🐘 Elephant riding - my parents and I visited an elephant sanctuary 5 years ago that claimed to have rescued elephants from abuse and neglect, but this very same sanctuary was still letting people ride the elephants?! If I knew what I knew back then I wouldn’t have gone.

🐘 Bathing with elephants - I admit, today was another learning experience when I visited an elephant sanctuary that allowed visitors to bathe the elephants. I never really thought it could be bad for the elephants, and even the sanctuary claims it’s the way for them to connect to humans, but I’m still wary. The elephants surely would get stressed having 20 random people splash water onto them and scream while having water fights in their vicinity. Imagine this happening 7 days a week, and you can figure out it’s not in their best interest.

🐘 Workers using sharp tools or prods to make the elephants comply - well this is a no brainer! These beautiful creatures have been taught to fear humans from a young age (with those exact methods), so when you see a sharp tool or prod being used - do not stay a minute longer to support such horrendous treatment.

🐘 Caged in enclosures or not enough space for the elephants to roam around - elephants need large, diverse areas to move around freely and get the exercise they need. If you see that a sanctuary is too small or doesn’t have enough space for the elephants to roam, it’s not ethical.

🐘 Elephants painting or doing any other kind of unnatural act for human entertainment - that very same elephant sanctuary I visited 5 years ago that allowed elephant riding also made the elephants paint pictures. This may seem cute and harmless, and at the time I was told they ‘loved it’, but in reality the elephants go through cruel and traumatising training to put on a show for tourists. If only I knew then what I know now!

This is not to say that these very same sanctuaries don’t treat the elephants nicely in other ways. For example, the very same sanctuary I visited today that allowed bathing with the elephants also provided the elephants with over 100 kilograms of food each day, and provided them with daily routine health checks.

They also didn’t allow riding, which is the initial reason why I visited. As for the elephant sanctuary I visited 5 years ago, they allowed the elephants to roam freely most of the time and there was just so much land for them to roam!

Nevertheless, just one unethical practice out of many ethical practices can be detrimental to the wellbeing of the elephant. If you are going to choose the right sanctuary, let it be one that lets the elephants roam freely while you stand from a distance and observe them, or if you do want to get close to one, let it be the time you are walking beside one or have some food in your hand to give. Anything else is just highly stressful for an already broken and extremely fearful elephant.

[bhattifaizan]

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai @thailand . It was a wonderful day spent learning about elephants and then feeding, bathing, and cleaning these majestic animals. It was lovely to see how the workers at the sanctuary interacted with the elephants; it is obvious that they receive excellent care, and there is evident respect among everyone there. . . . . . . @elephante @elephantjunglesanctuary @elephantjournal @elephantsanctuarythailand #elephant #elephantsantuary #elephantlovers #elephantinchiangmai #elephantsanctuaryphuket #elephantsanctuarythailand #thailandtravel #thailand🇹🇭 #thailanddiaries #exploremore #explorethailand #elephantexperience #elephantmudfun🌞🐘 #elephantlove #elephantvlog #elephantbaby #minivlog #bhattifaizan #adayinthailand #thailandseries (at Elephant Sanctuary thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2fVPIrjwp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[brandielee]

🐘 @myakkaelephantranch #myakkaelephantranch #MER #myakka #elephant #elephantranch #elephants #elephantsantuary #elephantlove #elephantsofinstagram (at Myakka Elephant Ranch) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnf40w6rKjj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thebusymind]

Cute Baby Elephant Onezies! Cop one on our Redbubble now! Shop Redbubble Link in bio! #elephant🐘 #elephants #elephantlove #elephantlovers #elephantsofinstagram #elephantsantuary #elephantart #cuteelephant #cuteelephants #babyanimals #babyanimal #kidsoutfit #kidsapparel #kidsfashiontrends #kidsstyles #kidsclothesforsale #kidsclothing #kidsplayroom #kidsstylishoutfits #onezie #babyonezie #babygift #girldress #boymomma (at Redbubble Store) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkYwlsKusqd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jewelclicks]

Portraits 🐘 #photodump #travel #elephantsantuary https://www.instagram.com/p/CjwaiPBBeKrWfqr4LqhVIYOD1nAyduxdp1gRpc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[amossbacher]

One tusk grows the wrong way!!! I came across this elephant in the bush. From far I did not notice first that his one tusk grows backwards. It was strange to see. Maybe a heavy fight with another elephant bull turned the tusk or something else! 🙅‍♀️ Strange to see indeed. For any enquirers please DM me. The link to my Wildlife images you find in my Bio. #elephant #elephantlove #tusks #babyelephants #whiteelephant #whiteelephants #elephants #saveelephants #elephantsanctuary #savetheelephants #elephantsareawesome #elephantsafari #elephantsofworld #beautifulelephants #addoelephantpark #elephant🐘 #elephantlovers #africanelephant #elephantparade #animalphotos #natgeoyourshot #bbcpotd #AnetteMossbacher #saveanimals #elephantsworld #elephantsofinstagram #loveelephants #elephantsantuary #africasafari #safariafrica (at Okavango Delta, Botswana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8PtCyKpSi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[cruzeirosafariskenya]

Book a day tour to #elephant #orphanage in #nairobi #kenya with cruzeiro safaris Kenya

https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com/elephant-orphanage-tour

Or email : info@cruzeiro-safaris.com

Or Whatsapp : +254722370833

#elephants #elephantsofinstagram #elephanta #elephant🐘 #elephantlove #elephantlover #elephantsantuary #elephantorphanage #elephantbaby #elephantlovers #elephantconservation #elephantsafari #africanelephant #elephantphotography

[groooooooot]

A morning with flappy friends 🐘

''Going to the mountains is going home.''

At 8am, our guide collected us and we drove about 1 hour to reach the sanctuary. It was a few kilometers away from Kulen Mountain.

The van stopped and dropped us here at the bamboo bridge to the safe haven. I could not hide the anticipation and excitement to see elephants for the first time in my life. I had quite a history with the majestic beings as a baby. As told by my mother, I was too sick to be treated by medical procedure and so, she cradled me in her arms and risked crawling under an elephant's tummy three times in hope that the good fortune would save me. Superstition at its best, but there's nothing wrong with having a little faith along the way. Maybe that's part of the sole reason why I grew up with so much love, attachment and respect for these gentle giants.

Here at Kulen Elephant Forest, I had one magical day of my humble human existence. Never once in life, I have imagined to have this day. It was special, extraordinary and most of all unforgettable. I would never forget the elephants, the warm welcome, the friendly atmosphere all staffs set out and the therapeutic scenery. Thank you, KEF team.

We arrived at the welcome house and were served with coffee and tea while our guide was giving us a brief introduction about the place and safety measures.

"Take life one cup at a time."

Even at a place where all the signals couldn't reach, you can still take a cup.

No distracting noises or constant chatters, it was just trees swaying in the wind, birds chirping and the rustling of dead leaves. That cup of coffee healed.

"You were so happy you cried."

I want so little from life, and in that I have been happy and content. Most parts of it are filled with amazing people, how so, never before I felt this much elation rushing through me with anyone, not even with myself. That day at the sanctuary, the void inside of me began to seal off.

I remembered I teared up the moment I saw those majestic giants and I know fairly well those tears bursted out of overwhelming happiness. This was everything I have always longed for. Getting to see elephants and patting them.

Beings of peace, compassion, kindness and patience. The biggest yet the most humble. Elephants are truly one of a kind.

"If you find something precious, you have to hold onto it with all your might."

A hug on their trunks was absolutely my most cherished memory. I love the roughness of their skin, the muscular segments of their trunk. Every detail about them just made me fall in love. I fall for the moment, for the encounter, for the fact that I was in physical contact with an elephant and not through screens.

I feared them tremendously just like I feared all other frightening animals, but love was bigger than fear. They say elephants never forget, so i hope all these magnificent ladies remember me, our hugs, and words I whispered when my heart was closest to their sensitive trunk.

One of elephants is over 60 years old and my heart warmed up to hear mahouts addressing her យាយ. Our granny elephant! I couldn't help but be reminded of my own deceased grandmother. I knew she would bond well with this granny elephant if she was there.

I also enjoy the playful interactions of mahouts and their elephants. When I looked at them, I saw true friendships.

What a joy to witness!

"I'm watching you. Always watching. Always."

She's always watching. Her pupil moved and followed you. I would be so creeped out if she wasn't an elephant. Observant, quiet, gentle, calm and patient. The traits of these superior beings are what I adore the most.

When i age, i hope to age gracefully as these mighty ladies. Elephants don't give others pain, so let's live and age like our gentle giants.

I remember how my breath and heart stilled when I made my first eye contact with an ele. Such pretty sad eyes that carried many stories to be told. Just how divine it would be if we could hear the tales told by all these ladies.

I guess an elephant also has her moment when she could no longer keep up with many strangers invading her personal space and time. Same, elephant, same. 😢 What a concealing spot to hide! We totally couldn't see you.

"If you love someone, set them free."

Worked their whole life carrying tourists at Angkor, and now our elephants roam free.

Still under mahouts' watch, but the elephants could have the freedom they once had. Roaming the forest, eating whatever grows on their path, resting, playing, most importantly, loved and cared for by a team of big hearts. I could not be any happier for these gentle souls for the comfort they're having in their old age.

The trek through the forest alongside these giants friends was truly unforgettable, and i am still in awe that it happened. Seeing them up close while they are socializing with their peers, bathing, strolling and making a stop to graze at their own pace was an extraordinary experience.

I was worried the big flappy friends would crash us with one of their feet if we were in their way without them seeing, but it turned out that they were always aware and so careful when we were in range.

They would stop to graze or stuffed the nearby leaves into their mouth just so we had time to walk off their path. I tried to take selfies with one of the ladies, and she even slowed down for me. It was unbelievable to see how they all could express and possess such complex emotions just like humans do. At a very close distance, I realize how tiny and fragile we are as humans and how easily they could break all our bones if they intended to.

Just like humans, they also have elephants best friends and will travel as each other's companion. It was a lovely sight when the pair always sniffed around together out of curiosity. Our guide told us, only the best friend will come running if one trumpeted. Gosh! If my friends are nothing like elephants, i don't want them. blehhhhh 😆

; ; They're so happy being around each other. I am also happy.

''Whoever hurts elephants doesn't have a soul.''

Everybody are cool grown ups until mud bath. They floated themselves in the pool with their head under the water. Yes, we could see their big bums floating... *gasps*😩

They are so composed yet so goofy! Elephants are adorable as * 😭

That was the real luxury, sitting and watching elephants bathe in the sun.

After bathing, they would gather the sand with their trunk and sprayed all over their body and i was told, this is to keep them cool under the heat and to protect themselves from insects. Then, they headed off to munch on the green leaves again. We also made a return to the house and had our lunch prepared by the sanctuary.

I am so grateful for this memorable experience with elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest. Seeing eles up close in their habitat and walking alongside them are truly magical. Again and over, it's always been a joyous feeling to relive this memory.

Our visits give them the comfort, so please drop by the sanctuary when you are in Siem Reap. Bookings guarantee a tour.

I love every minute in this safe haven

and my heart is full.

09.01.2022

[brylee-w]

Way back before Covid, I would spend Christmas volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Now I know in Thailand everyone wants to spend time with Elephants🐘 , but i ask you to please do your research. @chailaiorchid rescues elephants and rehabilitation them. Elephants are smart and feel emotion and you can see the bond they have with the volunteers who take care of then everyday. . . . . . #elephant #elephant🐘 #elephantsantuary #elephantsanctuarychiangmai #thailand #chaingmai (at ChaingMai,Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYpv3E-BvBy/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lovingcare-1210pro]

[respectanimalrights]

#Repost @colorfulanimals_ —— What a little darling enjoying his bath!" 🥰❤️ ▪️ 🐘 𝐓𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 🐘 ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒕: © 🎬 ✅ @saveelephantfoundation ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ #elephant #elephants #elephantlove #africanelephant #asianelephant #saveelephants #babyelephants #éléphant #elephantsantuary #elephantsofinstagram #elephant🐘#elephantlover #elephantfamily #loveelephants #elephantlovers #elefante #elephantbaby #elephantsafari #elephantbar #bekindtoelephants #elephantsofworld #saveanimals #animals #animallover #fil #funnyanimals #elephantandcastle #wildlifeconservation https://www.instagram.com/p/CVnwCpQK1I6/?utm_medium=tumblr

[santhosh2k]

#africa #animal #animals #art #rovingturtle #babyelephants #beautiful #elephant #elephantart #elephantbaby #elephantlove #elephantlover #elephantlovers #elephants #elephantsantuary #elephantsofinstagram #elephanttattoo #elephant🐘 #instagood #love #nature #naturephotography #photography #photooftheday #safari #travel #travelphotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CQr5ROmJD89/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thebusymind]

Elephant Galaxy Tote!! Get it now on our Society6! Link in bio! #elephant #elephants #elephantlove #elephanttattoo #elephantlover #elephantlovers #elephantsofinstagram #elephantart #elephantsantuary #elephant🐘 #galaxy #milkyway #sunsetgram #starrynights #tote #totebag #handbag #handbagaddict #handbaglover #fashiondistrict #fashionshows #bagsbeyondchoice #artsale #artsagram #wearableart #typography #bagsofinstagram #custommade #supportus #buylessbuybetter (at Society6) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd2H6ZhOGA3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[justagirlinnyc]

As I’m editing photos, I keep finding more photos that I’ve fallen in love with. Beautiful lions in the Masai Mara... I will never forget the time spent in their presence. . . . . . #maasaimara #masaimara #masaimaranationalpark #masaimarasafari #masaimaraconservancy #masaimarakenya #safari #kenya #kenya🇰🇪 #yellowzebra #elephantpeppercamp #elephantpepper #love #elephantsantuary #photography #canonm50 #canonphotography #eden #lion #wildlife #africa #masaimaranationalreserve #masaimarareserve #masaigiraffe #masaimara #maasailife #masaimaraphotography #masaimarakenya #canon #wanderlust #travel #gratitude (at Elephant Pepper Camp) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NmBMLg-hQ/?igshid=18bynmb47mv6t

[shevyvision]

Thank you Mother Nature for giving us these majestic creatures! @lifepixelinfrared #infrared #elephants #thailand #chaingmai #canonmarkii #nature #elephantsantuary (at Chiang Mai Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Oa-jUBxZE/?igshid=1v8ril5qx6i1f