Elephant Nature Park, Thailand, 2013.
The Elephant Nature Park is such and awesome place. While in Chiang Mai, this friend I made and me wanted to see the famous asian elephants, but riding them and all that seemed, I don't know… unfair in ways that I can't describe. I don't need to do it. That's how we found this organization. It's more expensive than other places and excursions, but we figured that at least we know that the money we spent was going to a worthwhile endeavor. The say they don't work, don't have to carry stuff or people, it can be argued that they work in a sense, doing PR for funding, which might be true, but thinking about the fact that a lot of these elephants have been rescued, and most of them have some sort of physical problem… what would have been their future otherwise? They've formed new families and new bonds, they have babies stumbling around, they have people caring for them, they can walk around in herds again, not asking for money in the streets. While not being able to be free in the jungle, they can, at least have a similar environment… also, seeing elephants in person? humbled enough that it felt almost scary.
The photo is truly beautiful and that elephant seem happy! I'm glad you've decided to go for a place where the animals seem to be treated fairly. It must have been beautiful to see them up close!
ResponderEliminarIt was an small female a bit lame on one leg, that's why she holds it strangely, but she just loved bathing time, it was so so amazing to seem them that close, they are insanely gorgeous ;)
EliminarI love that! I've always been very disappointed in the fact that elephants/animals in Asian countries end up in a place that is more about money and less about their welfare.. it's good to hear that such organizations are keeping the right spirit alive. Also, absolutely gorgeous photograph, Tanit! :)
ResponderEliminarit is an amazing place, they also have tons of rescued dogs and cats and a few other animals, so it's a joy to see it. It might be a bit naive of me, but I really think it was worth it! and they look so healthy and happy, despite everything...
EliminarThat elephant looks amazing. The drops of water, the movement, are stunning.
ResponderEliminarthank you :) she was so happy with the bath that I had to try capture it!
Eliminarawwww this is so cute! a beautiful picture for a beautiful moment.
ResponderEliminari've never seen an elephant (in person), and i'm very curious about it.
also appreciate your choice of not going to cheaper places that don't care about animal wellness.
It was my first time too, and they are so imposing, it's hard to believe sometimes they exist and that they are so *amazing* :)
Eliminar