Maesa Elephant Camp

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About Maesa Elephant Camp

The place in question is a controversial one, known for its elephant interactions. It has been reported that the elephants are treated poorly, with instances of them being beaten with bullhooks, a device known to cause severe wounding, bleeding, and even death. This is a distressing sight for any animal lover, and it's a practice that has been described as the most blatant form of animal abuse witnessed in Southeast Asia.

The elephants are not only subjected to physical abuse, but they are also confined in tiny enclosures, which are far too small for these majestic creatures. The health and happiness of the animals are questionable, as they don't appear to be in good condition. This has led to many deciding not to support this camp, as they believe it to be detrimental to the elephants' wellbeing.

The experience offered at this place has changed significantly over the years. It used to offer elephant shows, morning bathing, football games, and painting. However, since the onset of Covid, these activities have been discontinued, and the price has tripled. Now, the only activities available are feeding one or two elephants, which has left many visitors feeling disappointed and short-changed.

The elephants are also forced to perform unnatural activities, such as painting. This involves the elephants being beaten and abused for months to break their will and force them to perform movements with a paintbrush. The guides maintain constant contact with the elephants, often keeping their hands on them, which is believed to "motivate" the elephants to move the paintbrush in various directions. This practice has been criticized for its lack of common sense and compassion.

Despite these criticisms, some visitors have found the elephant show enjoyable. However, they have also expressed concerns about the ethical treatment of the elephants, particularly the trainers pulling the elephants' ears to make them submit. The facility does have an elephant hospital, and tourists are encouraged to purchase the paintings to contribute to the hospital's work. However, this is left to the discretion of the individual.

On a positive note, the place is praised for its natural beauty and the charm of the elephants themselves. It has been a popular destination for families and foreign friends over the years. However, the treatment of the elephants has overshadowed these positive aspects, leading many to call for a more humane approach to elephant tourism.