A DAY WITH THE ELEPHANTS

(By Barbara McGaffey)

Jan, the Golden Cupids Hotel office manager (and jack of all trades)

arranged a day trip for us to the Elephant Nature Park.  It's a several hundred acre

elephant sanctuary established and run by a small Thai lady named Lek

(with grants and donations from several philanthropists and groups). 

The Park rescues and provides a haven for these disappearing Asian elephants,

many of whom have been injured or abused. 

They're doctored, fed and provided lifelong, humane treatment and shelter.

Once back in this more natural habitat, many of them are able to once again

bear live little ones who are reared by mother & devoted "aunties".

This rare "white" elephant has found a home at Lek's safe haven.

Camp volunteers speak and answer questions about the Park and its giant residents as the elephants gather around the visitor platform in anticipation of lunch.

Visitors are taught to feed them from large hampers full of fruits and vegetables.

Then we enjoyed a delicious native Thai luncheon on the 2^nd floor of the building.

After lunch, the mahouts (elephant handlers) began the procession to the river—them leading the elephants, the guests parallel but apart from the animals.  Once there, the gentler giants were separated from the more boisterous youngsters, and we were able to wade in and gently scrub their backs and pour water over them, which they seemed to enjoy.  We sure did!

It was another amazing day to remember—thanks to the caring and knowledgeable staff at the Golden Cupids Hotel in Chiang Mai.  (April 2007)