We must always be on the look out for places that treat animals with no respect however we must also support and praise those individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to looking after animals. Taking on elderly elephants does take money and unless there’s a millionaire out there to support them they will rely on the small numbers of tourists that pay to stay.
Due to Thailand developing there is now much less traditional need for elephants, there’s also less natural space for them to be ‘free’. Without rescue centres like this many of these retired elephants would either be left to starve, be put down or killed when they come into conflict with farmers.
We chose the camp very carefully as we didn’t want to go to a huge camp that did not have the animals welfare at heart. After much research and talking to other travellers we correctly choose Elephants and Friends. These elephants spend nearly all of their time either in the forest being ‘free’ or playing in the river. They do not spend all their time walking tourists up and down in the blazing sun.
I’ve just come across this video, it nearly made me cry! I visited this site in about August 2006. We spent a few amazing days with the three elephants and the team. I notice one of the elephants you’re riding has a huge lump on her leg; I remember that’s where she was injected to make her work harder when she used to pull logs before coming to the centre. I had the male elephant to ‘look after’ his name was Sidoh. We had so much fun splashing in the river.
Sadly, E&F as we knew it is no longer running, however it's not all bad news.
A camp is still running at the second (former E&F) location under a new name - "Elephants World" and new management.
Dr. Samart, the founder, is a veterinarian who specializes in elephants and some of you may remember him from the selfless assistance he gave us at E&F.
Sean and Shannon, many thanks for putting this video together. You're great people, jai dee maak. It is feedback like yours that kept us going through the hard times. Hope to catch up sometime.
You really should determine the facts instead of rabidly rambling about things you clearly know nothing about.
If you'd been there you'd understand that this camp is not about elephant riding. They're only ridden twice a day, a short distance to the river for a drink and bath.
Your comment is arrogant, ignorant and ill-informed.
Despite this, I understand that somehow... you mean well. Peace to you. But please check facts in future.
shame on you people for riding the elephants making these creatures like a ride at an amusement park...you are suppose to be viewing them as if they lived in the wild....these are so controlled it is pathetic.....very sad.....let them form their own families and let them live "free"...
We must always be on the look out for places that treat animals with no respect however we must also support and praise those individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to looking after animals. Taking on elderly elephants does take money and unless there’s a millionaire out there to support them they will rely on the small numbers of tourists that pay to stay.
Rowbot387 3 months ago
Due to Thailand developing there is now much less traditional need for elephants, there’s also less natural space for them to be ‘free’. Without rescue centres like this many of these retired elephants would either be left to starve, be put down or killed when they come into conflict with farmers.
Rowbot387 3 months ago
We chose the camp very carefully as we didn’t want to go to a huge camp that did not have the animals welfare at heart. After much research and talking to other travellers we correctly choose Elephants and Friends. These elephants spend nearly all of their time either in the forest being ‘free’ or playing in the river. They do not spend all their time walking tourists up and down in the blazing sun.
Rowbot387 3 months ago
I’ve just come across this video, it nearly made me cry! I visited this site in about August 2006. We spent a few amazing days with the three elephants and the team. I notice one of the elephants you’re riding has a huge lump on her leg; I remember that’s where she was injected to make her work harder when she used to pull logs before coming to the centre. I had the male elephant to ‘look after’ his name was Sidoh. We had so much fun splashing in the river.
Rowbot387 3 months ago
Sadly, E&F as we knew it is no longer running, however it's not all bad news.
A camp is still running at the second (former E&F) location under a new name - "Elephants World" and new management.
Dr. Samart, the founder, is a veterinarian who specializes in elephants and some of you may remember him from the selfless assistance he gave us at E&F.
(continued below)
j1ambo 2 years ago
Sean and Shannon, many thanks for putting this video together. You're great people, jai dee maak. It is feedback like yours that kept us going through the hard times. Hope to catch up sometime.
Best Regards,
John
j1ambo 2 years ago
Shame on you for being judgmental and ignorant.
You really should determine the facts instead of rabidly rambling about things you clearly know nothing about.
If you'd been there you'd understand that this camp is not about elephant riding. They're only ridden twice a day, a short distance to the river for a drink and bath.
Your comment is arrogant, ignorant and ill-informed.
Despite this, I understand that somehow... you mean well. Peace to you. But please check facts in future.
j1ambo 2 years ago
shame on you people for riding the elephants making these creatures like a ride at an amusement park...you are suppose to be viewing them as if they lived in the wild....these are so controlled it is pathetic.....very sad.....let them form their own families and let them live "free"...
linshr10 3 years ago