Thai Elephant Conservation Center

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About Thai Elephant Conservation Center

The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, a sprawling 300-acre area, is a government-owned park that aims to conserve Thai elephants and protect them from extinction. The park is beautifully maintained and the staff are friendly, making it a great activity for the entire family. The park also features an elephant hospital and training school, which are integral to its conservation efforts. There is also a hotel and homestay on site, making it convenient for visitors who wish to extend their stay.

However, some visitors have expressed concerns about the treatment of the elephants. Despite the park's claim to be a conservation center, some visitors have reported seeing the elephants chained most of the time and being made to perform in shows. This has led to disappointment among some visitors who had expected to see the elephants in a more natural and free environment.

Furthermore, some visitors have raised concerns about the elephant rides offered at the park. While the pictures show people sitting on the elephant's neck, in reality, visitors sit on a wooden bench attached to the elephant's back. Some visitors have also reported seeing the elephants standing on concrete floors, with iron chains around their feet, which has led to questions about the park's commitment to providing a better life for the elephants.

There have also been reports of elephants being forced to take tourists for rides, which has led to accusations of exploitation. Some visitors have reported seeing signs of stress in the elephants, such as swaying from side to side. There have also been reports of elephants being paraded for visitors to feed them, which has led to further criticism of the park's practices.

Despite these concerns, some visitors have had positive experiences at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. One visitor described a trip to the center as one of the highlights of their stay in Chiang Mai. They described a beautiful journey through the countryside to reach the center, and a day spent watching the elephants and their mahouts. They also described an amazing experience of riding an elephant through a shallow lake and up a steep mountain.

However, not all visitors would recommend the park, particularly those who are animal lovers. Some have described the treatment of the elephants as substandard and the experience as depressing. There have been reports of mahouts hitting the elephants and using hooks to control them. Some visitors have also reported safety issues, such as being asked to dismount from the elephants on steep hillsides.

In conclusion, while the Thai Elephant Conservation Center has the potential to provide a unique and memorable experience, it appears that there are significant concerns about the treatment of the elephants and the practices at the park. Visitors who are considering a trip to the center may wish to take these concerns into account when making their decision.