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Mae Taeng

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Thailand

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Elephant Nature Park is a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants. This ethical park provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in a natural environment, promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts. Located at 289 1 Tambon Kuet Chang, Amphoe Mae Taeng, the park is easily accessible for those looking to experience the beauty of Thailand's wildlife while supporting a noble cause.

Observe over 100 rescued elephants in a natural setting.

Participate in guided tours that educate visitors about elephant care and rehabilitation.

Enjoy vegetarian meals prepared on-site, enhancing the overall experience.

Volunteer opportunities available for those looking to contribute directly to animal care.

The Elephant Nature Park is located in the Amphoe Mae Taeng district, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Chiang Mai. This area is known for its rich biodiversity and is a great starting point for exploring other attractions such as the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and the scenic Mae Taeng River, where visitors can enjoy activities like rafting and jungle trekking.

Elephant rescue & rehabilitation center with volunteer opportunities, jungle tours & rafting.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfX0xhRzlBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj21Ja6g62jARFSuw0w8gLNs/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfX0xhRzlBRRAB

The best experience of my life! Cried leaving! Lek and her team are so welcoming and absolutely amazing with the animals. Watching baby elephants play is such a special experience. We did the overnight trip and the rooms were spotless with a nice hot shower! The dogs that run free are also adorable and we fell in love with Bandit! We had Pealie as our guide and she was so friendly. We fed the elephants corn and bananas but it is strictly NO touching.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2X2JLWkxREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj21Ja6g62jARFSuw0w8gLNs/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2X2JLWkxREAE

Elephant Nature Park is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Chiang Mai and want to support efforts to conserve and protect animals. The entire experience was seamless and well-organized. The hotel pick-up was punctual, and both the driver and our guide, Ms. Gun, were incredibly professional. Hearing the heartfelt stories behind each elephant rescue and learning about their unique journeys was deeply moving. The park doesn’t just focus on elephants—it also provides a sanctuary for rescued cats and dogs, which was such a heartwarming surprise. Seeing them roam freely and cared for made us miss our own cats at home so much. To top it all off, the vegetarian lunch provided was absolutely delicious and added even more value to the experience. It’s a day filled with compassion and unforgettable moments that will stay with us long after we leave.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNXVxelRBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj21Ja6g62jARFSuw0w8gLNs/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmNXVxelRBEAE

I’ve been to a few and this one definitely is most ethical I have found. No feeding , no bathing (this is a good thing for people who don’t know) & they have rescued around 100 elephants some young are there. Nice to watch them. Other places I’ve been to felt like it’s been abit of a show and are forced to go to areas for tourists wants and not the elephants best interests

Definitely recommend this one for sure! -Please do not go to any where you ride them , chain them or use the sticks they whack them with!!! -

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places/ChIJj21Ja6g62jARFSuw0w8gLNs/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfdi12WmxBRRAB

Unforgettable experience. The skywalk tour is a lengthy 15-foot elevated pathway giving a great vantage to watch these magnificent creatures. You learn their rehabilitation story and their individual personalities. I could watch them feeding for hours - which we did. After a buffet lunch we were right in the paddock with them, watching them get bathed and fed, learning so many intriguing facts, walking for hours amidst several family groups. Hotel pickup in an 8-person can was convenient and it took 90 minutes to get there.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2bExyT3NnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJj21Ja6g62jARFSuw0w8gLNs/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2bExyT3NnRRAB

I recently had the privilege of volunteering at an Elephant Nature Park, and I can't recommend it enough. The sanctuary is home to over 100 elephants, 700 dogs, and 2,000 cats, and it was incredible to witness the care and respect given to each of these animals. One of the most important aspects of this sanctuary is that visitors do not ride the elephants. Instead, the focus is on providing them with a safe, peaceful environment where they can thrive.

The volunteer program was one week long, with accommodations and meals included. The schedule struck an excellent balance between work, downtime, and guided walks around the park. The tasks we were assigned were varied but always rewarding. We unloaded food trucks, picked up poop, helped with flood clean up, and even made an elephant cake as a special elephant treat! Additional, helping with the many dogs at the park was an optional task. Including getting to walk the disabled dogs. While the work was physically demanding at times, it was also deeply fulfilling to know we were contributing to the wellbeing of these magnificent creatures.

The guides, Art, Joe, and Sumo, were outstanding. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the elephants and their individual needs, background and behaviors. They made sure to keep us informed, organized, and, most importantly, safe when around the free-roaming animals. Their passion for the work was evident in everything they did, and they were always patient and supportive. Beyond their expertise with the animals, they also gave us valuable insights into Thai and mahout culture. One of the highlights was a special Thai culture lesson, where they shared traditions, customs, and even some basic language skills that enriched our overall experience.

What truly made this experience unforgettable was the sense of community and the opportunity to directly support such a meaningful cause. My heart has never felt so full. Being part of this project, even in a small way, was incredibly fulfilling, and I am proud to have contributed to their ongoing efforts to provide a loving, respectful environment for the elephants, dogs, cats and many other animals in their care.

Note to future volunteers:
- Bring your own gloves
- You can get your laundry done
- You might get the chance to visit a local school, if so, you need a long sleeve shirt and pants (there's likely ones you can buy at the gift store)
- Additional bug spray and sunscreen (and other small store items) can be purchased at the little shop outside of the main park
- There are mud boots that you can borrow
- The café is great! Bring some smaller bills for them.
- Bring close toe shoes, like sneakers to prevent injuries
- Remember to stretch! :)

Enjoy!!

Visit Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai: Ethical Animal Sanctuary

Volunteer Opportunities

Jungle Tours

Rafting

Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary in Thailand dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants. Visitors can engage in volunteer opportunities, jungle tours, and rafting while learning about wildlife conservation and animal ethics.

Elephant Nature Park

Experience the magic of Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand! Get close to rescued elephants and immerse in nature. Book your visit today!

Visit Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai: Ethical Animal Sanctuary

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