Our ONCE in a LIFETIME EXPERIENCE at Elephant Nature Park 🐘 Chiang Mai Thailand 🇹🇭

[@FindingGinaMarie]

LINK TO OUR ARTICLE ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE WITH MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@sofaloafable]

Thank you two sooooo much for putting out this video to educate people on the proper care of elephants. I wish more tourist who visit Asia would do more research like the two of you obviously did. I adore your kindness and deeply appreciate it. As a native born Thai, the elephants are a part of us spiritually. It breaks my heart to see people riding them, watching them paint or interacting with them in any way. Love and hugs to both you!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! We get that it sounds cool to do all those things with elephants, but it's not cool for them at all. We are glad that places like Elephant Nature Park exists and we are trying to do our best to get the word out. We have an expanded article on our website as well. Thank you so much for watching, and we'd love you to recommend our video to people considering any tour involving elephants. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@kauai5839]

Thank you for posting this vid,It shows how a real ethical elephant sanctuary should be.This should get more views so tourists will now that elephants shouldn't be exploited like some other so called elephant sanctuaries.🙏🏻

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, Kauai. We would love you to share our video and the expanded article we wrote if you know people considering a visit to see elephants in Thailand. It was a learning experience for us as well, but we are so glad to have found Elephant Nature Park. -Judy 🎥 Elephants in Thailand!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4S6poibrJqoqLc 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit P.S. And here's a link to our entire series from Chiang Mai, which was such a wonderful experience for us on so many levels. 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@jenniferburton1208]

Thank you for this video. Educating people on the plight of Asian elephants is the first step to changing attitudes towards the treatment of them. I spent a week volunteering at Elephant Nature Park in February and it was such an amazing experience.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment, Jennifer. I can't imagine how cool it would have been to volunteer. Can you describe a little bit what you did for a week? I just sent my 14-year old nephew an elephant cake for his birthday! -Judy

[@jenniferburton1208]

@@FindingGinaMarie there were 40 weekly volunteers when I was there - all ages and from all over the world. We were divided into 3 working groups and rotated each day to doing what was needed in the elephant kitchen (unloading the watermelon truck, cutting banana bunches off the stalk, etc), gathering River rocks to build walls, cleaning poo from the night stockades, etc. It only amounted to 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon - not too strenuous at all, and the rest of the day was yours to do as you wish. They have hundreds of rescue dogs and cats that you can visit and/or walk/pet. There are lovely local ladies from the surrounding villages who are there daily to provide massages - which were amazing after a day working in the heat. Or you can just sit with a coffee and watch the elephants. Heaven!! We were able to walk among the elephants so long as we had a guide with us, and Lek and her husband Darrick each took us around to introduce some of the elephants and tell us there stories. There were occasional evening educational sessions on elephant conservation, but other than that not much to do at night.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

How wonderful. Thank you SO much for sharing this information. So they don't have volunteers feeding the elephants? It's something I've wondered about because I've heard of places that allow that and I wasn't sure what I thought about it since volunteers are unfamiliar to them unless you're there for a while and they get to know you. This all is so interesting! What a special experience you had, Jennifer! -Judy

[@jenniferburton1208]

@@FindingGinaMarie each elephant has their own mahout (keeper) who feeds them and literally spends the entire day with them. Volunteers and visitors are not to feed, touch or bathe them but we can walk closely among them. Obviously the founders of the park have a very close bond with the elephants so they are exempt from this. I think the ultimate goal of ENP is to have everyone observe from the Skywalk, an elevated platform. This will provide the elephants with the most natural experience.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

This is exactly as I would have wanted it to be. Thanks for these insights. I've heard about places that allow volunteers to feed the elephants and that seemed wrong to me, but I wasn't sure about how ENP handled it with volunteers versus tourists visiting for the day or a simple overnight. ♥️🐘🐘🐘♥️ -Judy

[@mimionthemove2503]

While I haven't had the pleasure of visiting Elephant Nature Park, I've been a fan for almost 15 years. My daughter, then age 19, signed up for a 2-week volunteer opportunity in Thailand. One week was spent building a classroom in the jungle and the second week was spent caring for the elephants at Elephant Nature Park. She loved it so much! She prepared their food, helped the keepers bathe them, helped the vets, and of course helped clean up after them. My daughter then got a degree in zoology, worked at a Wildlife Safari Park in Oregon, but eventually settled into teaching elementary school, just like her mama, lol. It is a goal to see this park in person in the next 5 years after I retire. Can't wait! Glad you enjoyed your visit, as well.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Wow, Mimi, what a cool story and what an incredible experience for your daughter to have at such a formative age. I would imagine that changed her perspective on a lot of things. I wish I had made time for such adventures when I was that age. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing this experience with us! We would love to hear what you think of it when you eventually make your way there! -Judy Here's an article with more in-depth info about our experience and more pictures! findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@erinaustin9968]

What a wonderful experience!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thanks for watching, Erin. It was a bucket list item for us for sure. Very cool! -Judy

[@rebeccaslater1398]

Thankyou for highlighting respectful tourism for animals ❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Rebecca, We try to be very conscientious about what we share on KZbin and in how we live our lives. It was important for us to research about the ethical treatment of elephants and only book a tour with a place that had the wellbeing and care for these beautiful animals at the heart of their mission. We were very grateful to have found Elephant Nature Park and are glad we could share it will our viewers (and of course, experience it all for ourselves!). Thank you so much for watching and for supporting us! -Judy

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

FASCINATING! I absolutely adore nature and our wildlife (except spiders!!)! What a blessed experience. We are currently fighting to protect the red headed woodpecker in my community from human interaction that disrupts or eliminates their nesting. It’s a fight that’s worth the controversy that comes with limiting human impact on a protected river corridor.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

I saw one of your posts about the woodpeckers, but I wasn't sure of the battle you're facing. People can have very strong, contrasting opinions when their own discomfort is threatened. I don't envy the delicate balance to get everyone to agree. This experience was a bucket list item for us, so we are so glad we found a place that was so ethical. At one time bathing with elephants was thought to be harmless, but the more people learn about what disrupts their happiness, the more we can do to honor and respect these beautiful creatures. Thank you for watching, Rebecca! -Judy

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

@@FindingGinaMarie yeah, we have a rogue mountain bike trail that has been cut into the hillside along our river corridor where a lot of wildlife gather, nest, etc. We have a paved trail that goes through to allow passage that doesn’t disrupt the natural environment too much and allows folks to enjoy the natural beauty. We tried dealing with the rogue trail a little over a year ago, but apparently that didn’t “take.” I think we’re going to have to pass an enforceable ordinance to restrict bikes to the paved trail. Currently, our village is the only community along the river corridor through our county that doesn’t restrict bikes to the paved paths. For consistency and to protect the environment and wildlife I see an ordinance in the very near future.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Sounds like there is a reasonable solution so long as people are willing to stay on the designated path. But there are stubborn people. Best of luck to you! -Judy

[@owlscoffeecats]

🐘 So much incredible information! Watch out for those water buffalo! 😆 Thank you for all your work with this video. Love seeing all the snacks the elephants get. The cakes are amazing. Wonderful talent and care into everything there to make comfort and safety for the elephants. 🎉Great video! 😊

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thanks so much for watching, Carolann! It was such a cool experience. It was pretty funny that Kevin got bumped. We thought the cakes were a clever idea, too! We were so glad we found this place. Thank you for taking the time to always leave a comment. We love hearing from you! -Judy

[@lindab5789]

Oh my goodness, what a special experience! I would live seeing the elephants up close like that. Nice to know that the elephants are treated so well!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Linda, Yes, it was truly special. I have an expanded article I'm releasing later today that will include some more pictures and information for people who want to have a similar, ethical experience. Not everyplace takes the same care as Elephant Nature Park, but we are glad to have found it! -Judy

[@enriquesanchez2001]

WOW - now that's an ADVENTURE! ♥

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, Enrique! You're right. It was so epic! We do not take our lifestyle for granted at all. -Judy

[@enriquesanchez2001]

@@FindingGinaMarie🤣🤣 ♥♥♥♥

[@tam6912]

Thank you for this informative video. It’s good to see and hear that these awesome animals are getting the love and care they deserve.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, TAM! We agree. We wanted to observe elephants up close, but we didn't want to harm them. We learned so much and are so glad we found this place! -Judy

[@rebeccaslater1398]

Brilliant video. Tourists need to get educated. Help the elephants ❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you for watching, Rebecca. We didn't know before we had done extensive research, but we knew we had an obligation to ourselves, the elephants, and our viewers to ensure that we made an ethical choice about where to visit in order to see elephants. We put together an extended article on our website as well, which has more information and additional resources. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@rebeccaslater1398]

You both have a wonderful philosophy regarding elephants. Wonderful . You taught me so much ❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you for this kind comment. You should be proud of yourself for doing research before supporting someplace. -Judy

[@himadriroychaudhuri9834]

Wonderful...Chiang Mai is a heaven

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Himadri! How wonderful to hear from you. You are right. It is a very special place. We have a few more episodes coming soon from Thailand. -Judy

[@sirid2987]

What a beautiful experience. Elephants are magnificent animals. Thank you for sharing, Judy and Kevin. I love watching your videos. 😘 😘 😘

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, Iris! We had such an amazing time. Thank you for taking the time to comment! -Judy

[@sirid2987]

@@FindingGinaMarie wonderful video editing 😘 wishing you a good weekend.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

@@sirid2987 Kevin is so happy to hear this! -Judy

[@michelle82583]

Incredible video! Looks like you both had an amazing time! I'm a supporter of ENP as they are the best at what they do. I just love gifting the elephants cakes as they make for the best surprise! On video they say your name, the occasion you're celebrating and of course you get to share that experience with your elephant friend. Thanks for sharing your travels with us!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Michelle, thank you so much for watching! Thank you for your comment. It reminded me to send an elephant cake to my nephew for his 14th birthday this Saturday! I think he'll really love it! We are trying to get the word out about alternate ways to interact with elephants, especially when we see comments online about "cool" experiences with giving mud baths and riding through the jungle on one. If people don't know better, how can they make better choices? -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@michelle82583]

Thank you so much Judy for spreading the word and education people.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

@@michelle82583 It sounds like you do the same, so thanks very much to YOU! -Judy

[@ghraydon]

Thank you for your terrific post. My wife and I live just a 30 minute drive from there for almost 20 years, but have never visited. We're going to have to think about making a trip now. Good job.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! How lucky you are to be so nearby! We were so impressed with our experience. We have an article with a bit more details and photos if you're interested. We'd love to hear about your experience if you end up going there. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@anned6913]

Thank you for this very good review. I have been to the Park twice and hope to go again later this year. It truly is an amazing place and this is one of the few reviews that give a good informative picture of the ethics at the Park. Thank you again.❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Anne, thank you so much for taking the time to validate our experience and video from Elephant Nature Park. We also have an extended article on our website for people seeking additional information. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@Noodles1076]

Great video. I think we will go with this sanctuary. Thanks.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! We think it is one of the very best there is! Here's an article if you want more pictures, more details, or more resources! -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@9919S-x6u]

Thank you for sharing. We hope to be able to visit ENP this month!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi @9919S-x6u, Thank you so much for watching and for supporting Elephant Nature Park. You might want to verify that they will have availability at the time of your visit. Reservations book up very quickly and they were closed for a while due to the flooding in Chiang Mai. For more details about our visit, here's an article we wrote for our website. (We couldn't resist posting more elephant photos!) -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@siobhan6489]

Thank you for this lovely informative video. I had spent about 3 weeks looking into all the parks that I wanted to volunteer at for 2 weeks, and this one was top of my list. I had flights and everything sorted... then lock down started. 4 years later, I'm still determined to get there one day. And your video just confirmed for me it was exactly the right choice.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful and kind comment, Siobhan! We had no idea what to look for before doing a ton of research to understand what's ethical. I also wrote an article about it with some additional photos that didn't make it into the video and additional resources for people who might want them. Feel free to share our video and article with anyone who might be looking to engage with elephants. We'd love for them to know what to look for before they book something. Here's a link to this video and our article. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit 🎥 Elephants in Thailand!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4S6poibrJqoqLc

[@elangnevilos]

Sooo informative! Thank you! Im excited planning for my Chiang Mai trip with my mom this Nov. 😊

[@FindingGinaMarie]

We hope you have an amazing time! We have an entire series from Chiang Mai (we spent 37 days there!) that you might enjoy. We'd love to know what you think of it when you return. Have a fabulous trip! -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@melissamartin9237]

I was there last year and absolutely loved my visit. Thanks for the memories.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Melissa, it's great to hear that you had such an enjoyable time. We were so pleased as well. Definitely was a bucket list thing for us to experience. Thanks for watching, as always! -Judy

[@brindacockburn4033]

I was there in 2016 - a life changing experience.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Brinda, thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment. We are so happy to hear that Elephant Nature Park was a good experience for you when you visited. We loved our experience there. Not sure if you've seen our other videos from Chiang Mai, but visiting the elephants was one of our favorite memories! -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@elizaC3024]

Thanks for the information. We want to do this when we visit Chiang Mai this winter. 😊

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thanks for watching, @elizaC3024. There are a lot of less ethical places in Thailand for experiencing elephants, but Elephant Nature Park is one of the best. Here's a link to our expanded article on our website if you want to learn even more (and see more pics!). -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@elizaC3024]

Thank you 😊

[@annetterobinson3213]

Will definitely go to this elephant park when we visit later on the year ❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Annette! I highly recommend that. you book early because I'm hearing right now from a few people who waited too long and can't book the experience they want. Thank you so much for being such a faithful viewer and supporter of our channel! Here's our expanded article if you want more details. -Judy Article: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@kianushmaleki]

❤️❤️❤️

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! If you'll be spending any time in Chiang Mai, you may want to check out our video series from there. Also, we have more info about Elephant Nature Park on our website! -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@travelingexpats]

Looks like an amazing adventure!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Hi Betty and Lee, thank you so much for watching! It was one of our favorite experiences while traveling full time. -Judy

[@sittichaitipsom8955]

🙏🙏🙏🎉🎉🎉♥️♥️♥️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching! Seeing the elephants interact with each other and their food and the river was such a highlight of our travels! Here's a link to our full episode list from Chiang Mai in case you missed any. -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@GinnyTarantino]

WOW I loved this video what an experience. Looks like there is only one baby. Does the government cover their expenses? They eat a lot of food. They look happy.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you for watching, Mom! There are a few more babies, but the various guides led different groups to various clusters of elephants so that no elephant group would have a relentless stream of tourists. We got close to only a small subset of elephants but we could see plenty more that other tourists visited. We were amazed at all the ways this place tries to be responsible for the elephants, their ecosystems, and educating tourists. They really did seem happy, and their pictures before being rescued were in sharp contrast to what they looked like today. More grazing area would make them even happier, but the park is doing the best they can. The Thailand government provides some grants to cover a portion of the costs, but not nearly enough. I saw an old article that mentioned it costs an average of $40 USD to feed a fully grown elephant, which was 3 times more than the daily minimum wage salary in Thailand, and that was several years ago. That amount doesn't cover the cost of workers or medical treatment. -Judy

[@heidilopes]

Thank you i want to go THERE ❤❤

[@FindingGinaMarie]

It's an absolutely amazing and inspiring place. We sure wish that elephants weren't ever mistreated and had to end up in a place where they have to rely on humans, but we're grateful that we found Elephant Nature Park and they are so committed to taking such good care of these majestic animals. We have more information in the article linked below and also about Chiang Mai if you ever find your way there! -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@heidilopes]

@@FindingGinaMarie I saw and I start to follow LEK foundation and ENP a few months ago...I was shock how some Asian people or countries explore this and another animals

[@FindingGinaMarie]

@@heidilopes It's the same in so many places. We are astounded at how many tourists insist on bathing and riding elephants. But we admit our own ignorance about those things because we initially thought it would be cool to feed elephants or interact with them. That is until we were researching ethical places and learned so much. That's one of the reasons we took the time to put both an article and video on our channel. It's so important people understand that even animals that seem to do well with people really don't want to interact with them and that their preference is to be among their own species. It is heartbreaking to read about the anxiety that elephants endure and some of their coping methods. Thank you so much for watching and we hope you will share this information if you know of people who might be visiting elephants anywhere in the world, but especially Thailand. -Judy

[@tampopo]

So glad you went to ENP. Did you get to meet Lek? She’s an incredibly inspiring woman and so fun. I volunteered there during Covid and it was incredible. The baby elephant is Chaba and she’s my favorite. It was so nice to see her again. She spent a lot of time chasing me around and trying to play but she’s massive. She thinks she’s a kitten. I’m glad you mentioned what to look for in seeing elephants. We need to evolve and think animal conservation and not entertainment. I’m going back next year and looking after 1600 cats there at the Cat Kingdom. Been enjoying your videos. 😊

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, Tampopo! We did not have the privilege of meeting Lek, unfortunately. We definitely would like to return and spend more time there. In fact, thanks to your comment, it reminded me to send an elephant cake to my nephew for his 14th birthday this Saturday! I think he'll really love it! -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@Healthy_Wavezea]

@tampopo I'd love to volunteer there! I'm 50 and have some neck issues so I'm worried I physically wouldn't be able to cut it and I don't want a pain flare up. Is there any choice in activities you're able to do?

[@ExpatKeith]

I can't believe you guys missed Kampot and Kep in Cmabodia!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Between our work and the places in our backyard, we've learned the hard way that too many day trips or weekends away from whatever home base we are in for a month doesn't work well for us. We plan to return to Cambodia to explore more of it. That's the benefit of full-time travel. We don't have to wait years to return somewhere! Thanks for watching. -Judy

[@ErikBlair]

Excellent info!! Thank you

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Thank you so much for watching, Erik! It's heartbreaking when we hear about people choosing places specifically because they get to ride or bathe them or play in the mud with them. They are such magnificent creatures! Here's our article for even more pictures and info. -Judy 📝 Elephant encounters in Thailand: findingginamarie.com/articles/elephant-encounters-and-tips-for-finding-ethical-places-to-visit

[@ErikBlair]

@@FindingGinaMarie yes, I hear you. I've watched the situation for years, and I am happy to see it's heading in the right direction despite it's slow progress. I hope to visit the Elephant Nature Park later this year. Thank you again!

[@FindingGinaMarie]

Best of luck in getting there, Erik! Here's our video series from Chiang Mai that will hopefully get you excited about your trip to Thailand. Our final video from our trip there airs this Saturday. -Judy 🎥 Thailand video series: kzbin.info/aero/PLNT98lWfwdF3cqPH8_O_WDVYgoT13KJRq

[@ErikBlair]

@@FindingGinaMarie thank you! I have watched all of those :)

[@FindingGinaMarie]

@@ErikBlair Wow. We are flattered. Thanks so much! -Judy

[@chibetosnafox]

The owners left 10 elephants in the cage waiting to die when flood waters rise (the waters have lowered fortunately). You didn’t book the wrong one indeed.

[@FindingGinaMarie]

We stand by our decision to support Elephant Nature Park. The other park that evacuated their elephants use chains on them. I would rather have two elephants die in a freak weather catastrophe than have 118 of them live their lives as prisoners. ENP is one of the most ethical places for elephants. We are very saddened by the loss of these beautiful creatures. Also, I don't believe that the park uses cages for their animals either. -Judy