Elephants and Thailand almost seem synonymous with each other as Elephants are Thailand's National animal. When somebody pictures Thailand, viewing the historical ruins while riding an elephant always comes to mind.
Though it is a good tourist attraction, the use of elephants have reached various ethical issues. Around 80% of elephants in Thailand are captive as a means of entertainment and even laborious work.
These captive elephants are not mistreated, but the issue is more complex than this. The increase in use of their services has given an issue of overcrowding on where they are kept.
Elephants used primarily for tourism and work should be discouraged. Tourists should only interact with elephants on parks and nature reserves where they are not forced to interact with humans.
The Elephant Nature Park is a rehabilitation center where people can visit and volunteer to help. By volunteering and helping the elephants, visitors can ethically interact with them in a calm and peaceful environment.
Another good place for volunteering is The Wildlife Center within a plot in Kao Look Chang temple. The place is backed by the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand which educates people, rescues elephants, and provides rehabilitation for elephants.
A dedicated elephant sanctuary is supported by Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary. This 500 acre dedicated land houses rescued elephants where visitors can interact with them while they are in their habitat.
For old and injured, elephants, the Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe habitation for them. The place is located 2.5 hours away from Chiang Mai which is situated in a valley.
The BEES is a family and community funded sanctuary and aims to educate and encourage people to avoid viewing elephants in the city. The shift in habits in tourism is the whole aim of these nature sanctuaries and foundations, while ethical viewing should be observed.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
