PHUKET ELEPHANT TREKKING
OUR ELEPHANT CAMP IS DEDICATE TO PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE POSSIBLE FOR OUR ELEPHANTS
Throughout history, elephants have played an important role in Thai culture. Thai people lived with these giant animals side by side in daily life, in times of peace and turmoil. The epic elephant battle between King Naresuan and the Burmese army was glorified in Thai history books. Elephants are worshiped in Thai culture for their intelligence and gracious nature. The image of a rare white elephant centered on a field of red was the symbol of the Thai flag for most 100 years until 1917. Elephants have always been respected by Thai people and they remain a strong symbol of Thailand.
However, the role of elephants nowadays in Thailand have changed. Elephants are not used for work, nor do they participate in battles. There is only one true place left for the magnificent creatures of Thailand – the tourism industry.
When many of us hear the word Thailand, one of the first things that springs to our mind is elephants. Elephant trekking is one of the most popular activities among tourists arriving to Phuket.
It is true and widely known that Asian elephants are an endangered species. Experts believe there are now less than 2,500 wild elephants living in Thailand. The population is declining at a rapid rate, and the Thai government is making an effort to save these animals as numbers continue to decline.
Various elephant camps all around Thailand are some of the only non-government organizations trying to preserve these beautiful animals. And our elephant camp on Phuket is no exception.
Our elephant camp is dedicated to providing the highest quality of life possible for our elephants.
We provide homes for these animals where they would otherwise have none. We continuously contribute to their welfare and development. The wellbeing and nourishment of our elephants are of prime importance. A large part of the earnings from the elephant trekking goes towards tones of grass, bananas, water and sugarcane to feed the elephants daily.
By participating in one of our elephant trekking tours you are making contributions towards helping the elephants thrive.
Food, dietary supplements and regular veterinary care costs more than $1,000 per elephant, per month. This does not include operating costs, cost of the camp maintenance and salaries for the camp workers.
Our elephant camp takes care of these gracious animals – we check their health, bathe and brush them, and protect them from various malicious mammals and insects. There is a lengthy daily routine that supports the care and well-being of the elephants. Mahouts (elephant keepers and caretakers) spend the vast majority of their time with their elephants. A mahout can spend far less time with their wife or children in return for the excellent care they provide.
With the dwindling elephant population, the reality is that elephants have a far greater chance of surviving in the future if the domestic population is supported. Tourist-friendly elephant camps have become a vital savior that brings money and care towards supporting the elephant population.
Without financial help, people and elephant camps cannot possibly afford to keep the elephants. The elephants are required for mahouts to earn an income, and the mahouts are required by the elephant to continue to thrive into future generations.
Almost every camp has its own breeding program and it helps to maintain elephant population. Living condition of animals in camps are very safe and chances of survival are exponentially greater than in uncontrolled environments. Elephants at our camp are protected from various dangers like tusk hunters and have a high quality, long life.
