Comments on: Why I Regret Riding an Elephant

By: Rashaad

Rashaad — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 17:17:54 +0000

In August 2010, during my most recent backpacking jaunt through Southeast Asia, I rode an elephant in northern Thailand. I didn’t think twice about it as the activity was part of a package tour. However, I would never ride an elephant again especially during the course of my Master’s program, I learned how the weight of human beings very much harm elephants. I certainly wish I had been reading travel blogs regularly before riding an elephant.

In addition, I’m not sure if I’d call this a regret but in 2004, I attended the Full Moon Party. But I’m not sure if I could attend another one – especially since I learned about how the event negatively affects Ko Phangan.

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:54:45 +0000

When I last looked into it, I couldn’t find anything in Bali but that may have changed. Good luck and I hope you can find something!

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:52:33 +0000

Hi Kate! I’m not really sure about Kerala as I’ve never been to India. I would definitely do some Google research into that. Good luck!

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 20:48:46 +0000

We are hoping to see elephants in the wild in Kerala this June. Is there anyplace to see rescued elephants in captivity in Kerala where they are being treated humanely?

Thanks!

By: MadeinMoments

MadeinMoments — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 04:27:29 +0000

We didn’t get the chance to go to Elephant Nature Park in Thailand because it was already overbooked until long after we’d leave now we are in Bali and still longing to hang out with some elephants, but of course without the torture. I’m wondering if that is possible in Bali…
Marina from MadeinMoments

By: Don't Be a Dick, Practice Responsible Tourism - Where's The Gos?

Don't Be a Dick, Practice Responsible Tourism - Where's The Gos? — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 10:33:51 +0000

[…] Why I Regret Riding an Elephant […]

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:54:40 +0000

I got to visit ENP in 2013 and I agree, it is a wonderful place and was one of my favorite experiences in SE Asia.

By: RJ

RJ — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 05:35:53 +0000

As someone who has been to Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, I can personally vouch for the unconditional love the elephants there recieve. They all have their own personal mahout who love the elephants. Most elephants there, even though not related, have formed their own little families. Lek Cailert, the founder of the park, is one of the most wonderful people you will ever meet. ENP is tthe best place to go when wanting to visit and experience these gorgeous creatures. Thank you for your story.

By: Amanda Slavinsky

Amanda Slavinsky — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 12:37:16 +0000

Enjoy your time there! I was only able to go for the day, but it was a wonderful experience.

By: AJ Mak

AJ Mak — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:30:46 +0000

Hi Amanda,

I enjoyed reading your post, was very insightful and I hope others find this post to have a read so hopefully they think twice about whether or not to participate in an elephant excursion. I’m heading to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai next month to volunteer for a month, hopefully when I’m finished, I would have gained more knowledge to continue raising awareness on the welfare of elephants.