Thailand Elephants have been working closely with Siam Elephant to ensure their activities become more elephant enjoyable, this is something Siam Elephants are very keen to improve upon.
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\n\nSiam Elephant has elephants who previously worked long and gruelling hours either in a camp or in the logging industry. "Our mission is to care for and improve the lives of elephants that have previously been mistreated or abused. We offer an experience you will never forget (like an elephant)."
\n\nToday these elephants can appreciate a much calmer lifestyle, enjoying time in the forest and with each other.
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\n\nSiam Elephants offer bathing with their elephants. This activity is often not enjoyable for elephants, this is why Siam Elephant are gradually moving away from bathing. After you have bathed with their elephants the guide will ask visitors to sit back on the river bank and observe the elephants to allow the elephants some freedom. This will also decrease directional commands from their mahouts and make their river time much more enjoyable. They aim to phase out bathing in the future and have a much more hands off approach between tourists and elephants - in our experience observing elephants from the bank is much more enjoyable for all.
\n\nAs this is a new concept for these elephants who are used to having people in the water and generally not allowed the freedom of movement it will take them some time to adapt and learn to play and wash naturally.
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\n\nYou will also learn about some local herbal plant species which benefit both the local people and elephants; if you join for a full day visit you will forage like a local and turn the herbs into a yummy treat for the elephants.
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\n\nProviding adequate care for the elephants all day and night (not only in front of visitors) is a big concern when choosing an ethical venue, but to the best of our knowledge these elephants spend their nights chained in the forest (chains are necessary as there is not enough space to roam without the watchful eye of the mahout) and their spare days/afternoons roaming in the forest chain free and foraging - this is unlike the majority of elephants living at other elephants camps in the area.
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\n\nIn the future Siam Elephants aim to build a night enclosure close to the forest to avoid the use of chains.
\n\nSiam Elephant currently have very experienced mahouts, this makes a huge difference to how the elephants are treated; we witnessed a great bond between elephant and mahout. Mahouts carry bull hooks but as a safety measure only.
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\n\nThe food is extremely tasty (for meat eaters and vegetarians!) and there is the opportunity to combine your elephant experience with a white water rafting trip.
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","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"dataItem-j7599sdf":{"type":"StyledText","id":"dataItem-j7599sdf","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"Location: 17 Ratchawitee Rd. Sripoom, Muang Chiangmai,
\n 50200 Thailand.