Elephant Experiences Southeast Asia, May 2017

Transcription

1 Elephant Experiences Southeast Asia, May 2017

2 ELEPHANT EXPERIENCES THAILAND Elephants are among the many treasures of Thailand and Southeast Asia, having held a revered place in the local landscape and culture over many generations. Elephant experiences range from half-day, full-day to overnight and multi-day excursions. Although there has been justifiable concern for the welfare of the animals, there are also many opportunities for Abercrombie & Kent guests to interact with the impressive creatures in an ethical and responsible way. This report describes the practices of various elephant experiences in Thailand.

3 Elephant Experiences: Chiang Mai 1. Rantong Save & Rescue Elephant Center 2. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center 3. Thai Elephant Care Center 4. Maesa Elephant Camp 5. Patara Elephant Farm 6. The Chang Chiang Mai 7. Elephant Nature Park 8. Baan Chang Elephant Park 9. E.L.E. (Elephant Life Experience)* 10. Thai Elephant Home* Chiang Rai, Lampang and Kanchanaburi 11. Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) 12. Elephant Valley Thailand 13. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp 14. Elephants World Kanchanaburi Laos & Cambodia 15. MandaLao Elephant Camp, Luang Prabang, Laos 16. Elephant Valley Project, Mondulkiri, Cambodia* Camps marked with (*) have not been personally inspected by A&K

4 1. Rantong Save & Rescue Elephant Center Overview Rantong was founded with a single purpose to rescue mistreated elephants by providing care and a possibility for a better life. They are dedicated to the protection and conservation of Asian elephants. Elephant shelters and elephant clinic Key Information 36 elephants (25 used for riding) Approximately 80,000 sq.m. (20 acres) Open 4-5 years Located in Chiang Mai Elephants roam freely in large field area Experiences Available Elephant Care Program bathing and preparing food. Elephant Riding sitting on elephant neck without seat for approximately 20 Briefing and lunch area See Contract Rates

5 1. Rantong Save & Rescue Elephant Center Elephant shelter Pros No bullhooks No elephant shows No seated riding No chains (while mahout is nearby) Large area and natural environment Onsite vet and elephant clinic Care center for disabled and elderly elephants Elephants have free time in the afternoons. Usual programs are and English-speaking volunteers explain elephant issues to guests Quiet and not mass tourist-y Instructional elephant care program Cons Observed the use of a wooden stick to hit an elephant Elephant neck riding is available Elephants are chained at night. Observed short length of chain, restricting movement Elephants kept on short chain More Information See Contract Rates

6 2. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center Overview This elephant camp is located along the scenic Ping River where guests can experience trekking by elephant back through the nearby forest. The camp also offers elephant shows, feeding and bathing activities daily. Key Information 10 elephants Large area of land by a forest and river Founded in 1969 Located in Chiang Mai Experiences Available Elephant Show a 20-minute show demonstrating how elephants were used for logging including elephant painting. Elephant Bathing guests observe as the mahouts bathe the elephants Elephant Feeding guests have a chance to feed bananas to the elephants by hand before the show Elephant Riding trek through nearby forest area on wooden seating for 2 people strapped to elephant back Bamboo Rafting ride a bamboo raft along the Ping River and observe the natural scenery Elephant feeding Observe elephants bathing in the morning Training show displaying the elephant s ability See Contract Rates

7 2. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center Pros Elephants have free time in the afternoons. Daily programs are only. Large forest area and natural environment Selling bananas to feed elephants Use of chains and bullhooks Cons Regular use of bullhooks Elephant show with elephant painting The show has no explanation or commentary so it may be difficult for guests to understand Seated riding available Elephants carry heavy chains throughout the day and are chained at night No onsite vet or elephant clinic Mahouts have limited English ability More suitable for mass tourists Rafting experience along Ping River More Information See Contract Rates

8 3. Thai Elephant Care Center Overview The Thai Elephant Care Center is a home for retired elephants. The elephants are over 60 years old and visitors can observe the elephants as they roam around the large area with their mahout. Entrance to the care centre Key Information Founded in 1976 Located in Chiang Mai Herbs for feeding elephants Experiences Available Elephant Care learn how to prepare food and herbs to treat elephants or participate in bathing elephants Walkway offers easy access to care center See Contract Rates

9 3. Thai Elephant Care Center Elephant with mahout Pros No chains (while mahout is nearby) Elephants have free time in the afternoons and are able to return to the nearby forest Elephants are kept on a long chain at night, allowing freedom of movement Large area with forests Onsite vet and elephant clinic Care center for disabled and elderly elephants Mahouts demonstrate elephants ability Elephant cemetery Cons Use of bullhooks for safety purposes Shelter for elephants More Information See Contract Rates

10 4. Maesa Elephant Camp Overview Maesa is home to the largest assembly of domesticated elephants in northern Thailand. Visitors can see the elephants working with their mahouts and bathing in the river. Seated riding experiences Key Information 79 elephants Large area of land separated for different activities: riding, training and care center Founded in 1976 Located in Chiang Mai Large area of land Experiences Available Elephant Show demonstrating the skill of elephants three times daily Elephant Riding trek through nearby forest area on wooden seating for 2 people strapped to elephant back Mahout Experience train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to command elephants Mother and baby See Contract Rates

11 4. Maesa Elephant Camp Pros No chains (while mahout is nearby) Elephants have free time in the afternoons and are able to return to the nearby forest Elephants are kept on a long chain at night, allowing freedom of movement Large area with forests Onsite vet and elephant clinic Mahouts are friendly and some are able to speak English Popular with tourists, but a private area is available Mahouts demonstrate elephants ability Cons Use of bullhooks for safety purposes Elephant show with elephant painting (in separate area) Seated riding available (in separate area) Feeding elephants More Information See Contract Rates

12 5. Patara Elephant Farm Overview Patara Elephant Farm is a recovery and elephant reproduction facility. It aims to provide a hands-on educational program to teach visitors about elephant care, including feeding and bathing. Elephants line up for bathing show Key Information 55 elephants Large area of land for conservation activities Founded in 2001 Located in Chiang Mai Visitors observe from viewing platform Experiences Available Mahout and Elephant Care training about elephant breeding and feeding Elephant Riding non-seated riding on elephant neck for about 1 hour Elephant Bathing Show guests observe as mahouts bathe the elephants Elephant training demonstration See Contract Rates

13 5. Patara Elephant Farm Pros No bullhooks No chains No elephant shows No seated riding Verbal commands are encouraged Elephant breeding program Elephants are released into the conservation area owned by Patara Elephants have free time, not always entertaining tourists Guests are educated before interacting with elephants Comprehensive English language information Mahouts demonstrate non-hook training Cons Elephants perform during bathing time Elephant neck riding is available Elephant neck riding More Information See Contract Rates

14 6. The Chang Chiang Mai Overview Managed by a veterinarian who is an expert in elephant care, The Chang is located close to forests where the elephants are able to roam freely. Elephants kept within enclosure Key Information 4 elephants Large forest area Founded in 2016 Located in Chiang Mai Observation terrace Experiences Available Observation guests can observe elephants in their natural environment while sipping cocktails on the observation deck Elephant Riding non-seated rides are offered Elephant neck riding

15 6. The Chang Chiang Mai Elephant roaming freely in the forest Pros No elephant shows No elephant painting No seated riding Elephants are able to roam freely (while mahout is nearby) Large area and natural environment Managed by in-house veterinarian Comprehensive explanation in English Guests assist mahouts to bathe elephants Cons Use of bullhooks Mahouts act aggressively with elephants Elephant neck riding is available Feeding elephants More Information

16 7. Elephant Nature Park Overview The aim of Elephant Nature Park is to provide a sanctuary and acts as a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants, where visitors can be educated about conservation issues. Elephants roam freely within enclosure Key Information 37 elephants Save the Elephant Foundation was established to protect Asian Elephants and rehabilitate captive elephants Located in Chiang Mai Elephants approach viewing area for feeding Experiences Available Observation guests can observe as elephants roam freely in the enclosure Elephant Bathing guests observe as the mahouts bathe the elephants Elephant Feeding guests have a chance to feed the elephants by hand before the show Viewing platform See Contract Rates

17 7. Elephant Nature Park Bathing area Pros No bullhooks No chains No elephant shows No seated or neck riding Elephants roam freely within a walled enclosure The enclosure includes a forest area where elephants can go to rest The camp is associated with the Save the Elephant Foundation Cons Popular with mass tourists Walls around the perimeter can obstruct viewing Elephant drinking from water tank More Information See Contract Rates

18 8. Baan Chang Elephant Park Overview The park offers hands-on experiences where guests are able to participate in taking care of elephants and learn basic skills of mahouts. Elephants line up for feeding Key Information 46 elephants Non-profit organization that aims to protect and provide purpose for domesticated elephants Professional English-speaking mahouts Approximately 32,000 sq.m. (80 acres) Opened in 2004 Located in Chiang Mai Elephant neck riding Experiences Available Elephant Feeding feed elephants with banana and sugar cane Elephant Bathing bathe and brush the elephants Elephant Riding non-seated elephant ride and learn basic commands Guests learn how to brush elephant See Contract Rates

19 8. Baan Chang Elephant Park Making paper from elephant dung Pros No elephant shows No seated riding No chains (while mahout is nearby) Large area and natural environment Observe process of making paper from elephant dung Non-profit organization. All profits go back to supporting the elephants Elephants grazing during free time Cons Bullhooks to control elephants when necessary Elephant neck riding is available (in a separate area) Elephants are chained at night Bathing with elephants More Information See Contract Rates

20 9. E.L.E (Elephant Life Experience) Overview Offering personal and private experiences, E.L.E. allows guests to develop a close relationship with the elephants. Elephant roaming freely Key Information Private experience for guests Located in Chiang Mai Elephant neck riding Experiences Available Elephant Painting Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate Elephant Feeding learn how and what to feed elephants Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back for about 30 minutes Private dining with elephants See Contract Rates

21 9. E.L.E. (Elephant Life Experience) Elephant painting Pros No seated riding No chains (while mahout is nearby) Large area and natural environment Only offer private experiences. Not mass tourist-y Preparing for painting session Cons Use of bullhooks to command elephants Elephants are trained to paint Elephant neck riding is available Elephants are chained at night. Learning to bathe elephants More Information See Contract Rates

22 10. Thai Elephant Home Overview Thai Elephant Home aims to rescue elephants from unsafe working conditions, and provides a home where they are treated with care. Elephant riding experience Key Information 16 elephants Founded in 2006 Located in Chiang Mai Elephant bathing Experiences Available Mahout Training train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to command elephants Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back Black Mud Spa Join the elephants in a spa treatment using black mud, rich in magnesium and calcium, it is great for both elephants and people. Elephant playing in black mud

23 10. Thai Elephant Home Guests meet baby elephants Pros No elephant shows No elephant painting No seated riding No chains (while mahout is nearby) Large area and natural environment Unique Black Mud Spa Elephant roaming freely with mahout Cons Use of bullhooks to command elephants Elephant neck riding is available Elephants are chained at night Large, forested area More Information

24 11. Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) Overview Located in Lampang Province, approximately 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, TECC is a government-owned camp that aims to provide accessible care for elephants and education about elephant welfare. The center is also home to six white elephants owned by the King of Thailand. Key Information 100+ elephants Approximately 550,000 sq.m. (136 acres) Operated by the Forest Industry Organization, a government enterprise Houses the National Elephant Institute of Thailand, a center of learning for specialists Founded in 1993 Located in Lampang Experiences Available Elephant Show a 40-minute show demonstrating logging techniques, painting and making music. Daily at 10.00, and 13:30. Elephant Riding Wooden seating for 2 people strapped to elephant back. Rides range from 10 minutes to 1 hour. Mahout Training School train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to command elephants Entrance to exhibition area Informative exhibition about elephant life Seated riding experiences

25 11. Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) Elephant Clinic Treating elephant at elephant clinic Elephant wearing chains on feet Pros Large area and natural environment Onsite vet and elephant hospital, which is used to treat elephants nationwide Care center for disabled and elderly elephants Elephants have free time in the afternoons and are able to return to the nearby forest Elephants are kept on a long chain at night (20 meters), allowing freedom of movement Exhibition building with posters, displays and video presentation about the importance of elephants in Thai history and culture Guests can also observe the Dung Paper Factory Cons Use of bullhooks for safety purposes Elephant show with elephant painting Seated riding available Some elephants carry chains throughout the day Target is more mainstream Relatively far from Chiang Mai More Information

26 12. Elephant Valley Thailand Overview Elephant Valley Thailand is located in Chiang Rai, approximately 3 hours from Chiang Mai. Its primary aim is to provide a sanctuary for elephants and offers a rare opportunity to observe the animals natural behaviors. Key Information 4 elephants 160,000 sq.m. (40 acres) Work with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in protection of forests and wildlife Managed by Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE), an NGO founded in Cambodia Founded in 2016 Located in Chiang Rai Observe elephants in natural environment Large area of land Experiences Available Observation guests can observe the elephants as they walk, eat and play in the area. The elephants are encouraged to behave naturally, so there are no shows, riding or other unnatural activities. Visitors must wash feet to prevent infection

27 12. Elephant Valley Thailand Elephants drinking from water tank Pros No elephant shows No seated riding Verbal commands are encouraged Elephants roam freely throughout the day (while mahout is nearby) Purpose to re-introduce elephants into the wild The host is well-versed in elephant welfare issues and can discuss in-depth about elephant behavior Large area and natural environment Quiet and not mass tourist-y Elephant with mahout Cons Use of bullhooks for safety purposes Elephants are chained at night Elephants are kept within fenced enclosure More Information

28 13.Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Overview Fully funded by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the camp was established as a traditional mahout village and works to provide employment and a comfortable lifestyle for elephants and their mahout families. Mahout demonstrates method of using hook Key Information 25 elephants Associated with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which aims to protect Asian elephants and supports mahout communities Founded in 2003 Located in Chiang Rai Mahout pulls elephant s ear Experiences Available Elephant Riding non-seated riding to nearby river and experience bathing with elephants. Elephant bathing

29 13. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp Pros No seated riding Large area and natural environment Associated with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation Guests learn method of mount/dismount Cons Excessive use of bullhooks Elephants are chained Mahouts act aggressively with elephants Bathing experience where guests are seated on the elephants Limited information about how to behave with the elephant Limited explanation in English Elephant neck riding in forest More Information

30 14. Elephants World Kanchanaburi Overview Elephants World is a nonpreviously worked in the logging industry or entertaining tourists at other camps. With no riding (neck or back, the experience is largely observational and educational Elephant Camp Feeding Areas Key Information 26 elephants Approximately 260,000 sq.m. of land (64 acres) Founded in 2008 Located in Kanchanaburi Elephants roam freely Experiences Available FD Program feed the elephant, watch them play, prepare their food language and help them bathe Overnight Program Not suitable for A&K guests Food preparation by guests

31 14. Elephants World Kanchanaburi Sheltered viewing area to watch elephant bath Pros No elephant shows Non-profit organization No riding (neither neck or seated) Very large area and natural environment 2 on-site vets and elephant clinic with several volunteer Care center for disabled, sick and elderly elephants Elephants have free time in the afternoons Educational experiences Beautiful location on the river English, French, Spanish (and occasionally other languages) speaking volunteers explain elephant issues to guests Elephants follow a routine but at own pace Cons Very basic camp with limited facilities Elephants are chained at night or when males in musth Educational elements - learning about diet More Information

32 15. MandaLao Elephant Camp Luang Prabang, Laos Overview An intimate non-riding experience. With no riding (neck or back) MandaLao offers a mostly hands-off experience that allows the guests the chance to feed and walk the elephants and to learn about the project to re-integrate former working elephants into the Lao countryside. Guests are collected from the hotel by the camp (with a camp guide) and transferred in a private vehicle for 45 minutes to the camp. Key Information 7 elephants Approximately 200,000 sq.m. of land Founded in 2016 Experiences Available feed the elephant, watch them bathe, walk with them (one-hour trek) and feed them again. Lunch is served after at the scenic viewpoint restaurant. Morning Feeding

33 15. MandaLao Elephant Camp Luang Prabang, Laos Bathing after breakfast Walk through the forest (one hour) Pros No elephant shows Non-profit organization No riding (neither neck or seated) Very large area and natural environment Educational experiences Beautiful location on the river High quality, new buildings & facilities Elephants encouraged to move verbally Part-owned by former owner of Thai Elephant Conservation Center (CNX) Cons Mahouts carry bullhooks in bags though they only use in emergency Guests have to cross the small river in a boat with unstable jetty. Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Boat & jetty pictures: More Information

34 16. Elephant Valley Project - Mondulkiri, Cambodia Overview Its primary aim is to provide a sanctuary for elephants and offers a rare opportunity to observe the animals natural behaviors. Key Information 10 elephants 1,500 hectares (3,706 acres) Work with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in protection of forests and wildlife Managed by Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE), an NGO founded in Cambodia Founded in 2006 Located in Mondulkiri, approximately 365 kilometers (6 hours) from Phnom Penh Visitors observe from a safe distance Large forested area of land Experiences Available Observation guests can observe the elephants as they walk, eat and play in the area. The elephants are encouraged to behave naturally, so there are no shows, riding or other unnatural activities. Observe natural behaviors

35 16. Elephant Valley Project - Mondulkiri, Cambodia Elephants roam freely Pros No elephant shows No seated riding Verbal commands are encouraged Elephants roam freely throughout the day (while mahout is nearby) Purpose to re-introduce elephants into the wild The host is well-versed in elephant welfare issues and can discuss in-depth about elephant behavior Large area and natural environment Quiet and not mass tourist-y Elephant with mahout Cons Use of bullhooks for safety purposes Elephants are chained at night Elephants bathing in mud More Information

36 Quick Comparison Guide Chiang Mai Elephant Welfare Guest Experience Tier* Use of Bullhook Use of chains Natural Habitat Vet or Clinic Elephant Show Riding Feeding Bathing Education 1. Rantong No Yes Yes Yes No Neck Yes Yes Yes 2 2. Chiang Dao Yes Yes Yes No Yes Seated Yes Yes No 4 3. Thai Elephant Care Limited At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes 1 4. Maesa Limited At night Yes Yes Yes Seated Yes Yes Yes 3 5. Patara No At night Yes - No Neck No Yes Yes 1 6. The Chang Yes At night Yes Yes No Neck Yes Yes Yes 2 7. Elephant Nature Park No No No - No No Yes Yes Yes 2 8. Baan Chang Yes At night Yes - No Neck Yes Yes Yes 2 9. E.L.E. Yes At night Yes - Yes Neck Yes Yes Thai Elephant Home Limited At night Yes - No Neck No Yes - 1 *Tier 1 = Preferred Tier 2 = 2 nd Option Tier 3 = 3 rd Option Tier 4 = Least Preferred

37 Quick Comparison Guide Chiang Rai, Lampang, Kanchanaburi Elephant Welfare Guest Experience Tier* Use of Bullhook Use of chains Natural Habitat Vet or Clinic Elephant Show Riding Feeding Bathing Education 11. Thai Elephant Conservation Center Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Seated No No Yes Elephant Valley Limited At night Yes No No No No No Yes Anantara Golden Triangle Yes Yes No - No Neck No Yes No Elephants World No At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes 1 Quick Comparison Guide Laos, Cambodia Elephant Welfare Guest Experience Tier* Use of Bullhook Use of chains Natural Habitat Vet or Clinic Elephant Show Riding Feeding Bathing Education 15. MandaLao Elephant Camp Limited At night Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Elephant Valley Project Limited At night Yes No No No No No Yes 1 *Tier 1 = Preferred Tier 2 = 2 nd Option Tier 3 = 3 rd Option Tier 4 = Least Preferred

38 Product & Marketing Manager Remark: The information contained in this report is based on first-hand observation by the contributors, or otherwise obtained through third-party and online resources and is subject to change without notice. The contributors are not professionally trained in animal welfare. Therefore, this report should be used as reference material only.