I had a chance to go to Elephant Valley in Chiang Rai. You will think that there are so many Sanctuaries in Thailand and what is it that is so special about this one? This is a true Sanctuary for elephants where the elephants come first.
Elephant Sanctuaries Should Not Let Tourists Ride, Shower or Trek with Tourists
Sanctuary is suppose to mean to be a safe house. If it’s an elephant sanctuary, it should be a safe house for elephants, no for the tourists. These elephants were abused since babies from circus, logging or camp sites where ppl ride them. So the sanctuaries should suppose to help them escape from those, buy so called elephant sanctuaries are still a different form of abuse. Let me tell you more later.
Tourists are changing and they do not want to do that is unethical. And we are learning that riding elephants are unethical. So we are looking towards elephant sanctuaries where it seems more ethical. Elephant sanctuaries don’t let people ride the elephants, but instead, you are allowed to bathe and swim with them. It sounds a lot more ethical.
Elephant Valley is the Best Sanctuary that Puts Elephants First
But the problem is that elephants are still a wild and they have their own routine. they cant be forced or controlled. they are forced to go to the water and still being roped around their neck prob for the tourists safety. I can’t tell the difference between these new so called “sanctuaries” and a circus where they have to perform. Yes, they might have more freedom than the circus or elephant ridings, but I don’t think they should call themselves “sanctuaries.” Because it will just bring more confusion to the word sanctuaries.
Elephant Valley is Redefining the Word Sanctuary
At elephant Valley, they are trying to redefine the word Sanctuary. They are trying to create a world for the elephants and the visitors can observe and learn about them. So,
- no swiming
- no rideing
- no bathing
Yea, we have the urge to touch, ride and play with those cute animals. I had to stop my urge so many times, not to be disrespectful and embarrassing. Just because they are shaking their head side by side don’t mean they are happy. It looks like it, but it isn’t. It means they are frustrated.
I would have not known about these facts if I havnt visited the Elephant Valley. I would have just thought the other “Sanctuaries” are really about rehabilitating the elephants.
