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Elephant Nature Park... Flooding at the Sanctuary

From Kim Stallwood
October 2024

I'm aware there are elephant sanctuaries in France, Brazil, and the United States. But none of them permit visitors up close because some rescued elephants become disturbed by too much human presence. I don’t want to go to zoos or safari parks to see elephants as they’re unnatural and cruel settings for them.... During this current flooding, 100 Elephants were saved.

Elephants escape flooding
Image from Elephant Nature Park's FB page

I haven’t been to Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Thailand. This is the famous elephant sanctuary founded and led by Saengduean Chailert, who is more usually known as Lek.

I want to go as part of my research in writing the biography of Topsy. Friends whose opinions I trust have gone and spoken enthusiastically about it. I want to explore volunteer opportunities also.

I feel as if I know elephants, particularly Topsy, from all my research. But I’ve never had the opportunity to be in their presence for a meaningful amount of time.

I’m aware there are elephant sanctuaries in France, Brazil, and the United States. But none of them permit visitors up close because some rescued elephants become disturbed by too much human presence. I don’t want to go to zoos or safari parks to see elephants as they’re unnatural and cruel settings for them.

I’m also aware of other elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia that are also possible places to visit. Please share with me via email any recommendations or thoughts you may have about them.

This past week, ENP has been in the news because it became flooded after unprecedented amounts of rain.

The Mae Taeng River that runs through the park rose ten feet or more and flooded the valley, which is home to ENP and all the animals—elephants, dogs, cats, and more—it rescued over many years. Sadly, two elephants died from the flooding. Pang Fah Sai was 16 years old. Pang Ploy Thong was 40 and blind.

More than 100 elephants were rescued.

flooded Elephant Nature Park
Flooded Elephant Nature Park

Posted on All-Creatures.org: October 14, 2024
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