Elephant Nature Park

One of the key projects EleAid supports is the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand. It is at this sanctuary that the founding members of EleAid first met.

The Elephant Nature Park is run by Sangduen Chailert, known to her friends as Lek or 'little one', on account of her diminutive stature. From humble beginnings, her love of elephants, determination and hard work have brought her to the forefront of the effort to save the Asian elephant.

The Elephant Nature Park is a natural jungle environment where rescued elephants are able to roam free in peace and security for the rest of their lives. Some have desperately sad histories but today their travails are over. The herd includes Max, Thai, Bua Tong, Tong Jan and Mae Bia, EleAid's rescued elephants.

The Nature Park took a giant stride forward in April 2003 when it moved to to a new home in the stunning Mae Taeng valley. The buildings are all made from sustainable natural resources including some exceptional tree houses high above the elephant habitat. It is a wonderful feeling to wake up in the morning and see elephants frolicking in the tall grass below.

The elephants are cared for by a dedicated team of mahouts. Every morning, each mahout's first job is to find their elephant in the forest. This is not as difficult as it appears - each man is an expert and knows his elephant’s favourite haunts. Once found, mahout and elephant head for the river for a refreshing bath and bunches of bananas. Any of the animals requiring medical treatment are tended to before they are released back into the jungle. Sometimes as they leave, they shake the forest with incredible roars that send shivers down the spine. They seem to revel in their freedom.

Part of the Elephant Nature Park is affectionately known as the Haven to the many visitors that come to see Lek’s work. The Haven consists of mountain forest where the elephants are free to raom and feed similar to the wild.

Conservation volunteers, students, elephant specialists, researchers and journalists regularly arrive and are often lucky enough to stay a few days with the elephants.

Elephants are remarkably sagacious creatures and Lek's animals realise they are with people who love and care for them. They are all remarkably gentle and understanding. Even when they have to endure uncomfortable medical treatment they are stoically patient and appear to appreciate that it is being performed for their benefit.

The Elephant Nature Park is an inspirational project find out more about Lek and her work at her website.