WILD LINKS CHIANG MAI

Elephant Nature Park
A unique sanctuary for Asian elephants in northern Thailand, founded by award winning conservationist, Sangduen "Lek" Chailert. Lek is from a little known hill tribe group called the Khamu and has been fighting for the rights of the Asian elephant for decades. Lek began rescuing injured and mistreated elephants in 1992 and in 2003 was able to establish a permanent homeland for these elephants in a beautiful valley, about an hour north of Chiang Mai.
There are currently more than 30 rescued elephants living at Elephant Nature Park ranging from calves to grand old matriarchs over 80 years old. The elephants at the park are free to choose a family, form small herds and live amongst people who love and respect them. They are not expected to work or perform. Instead they are able to wander the park, feeding at their leisure, bathing in the river and playing together in the mud pit. each elephant has a distinct character, which becomes more evident as they come to regard the park as their home and leave their past behind.

Asian Elephant

Lek

Elephant baby sound asleep!

Elephants and water buffalo

Elephant house





Elephant wash

Elephant food

One also finds a large group of happy dogs & cats living at the park

This is truly the most amazing place to visit Asian elephants. Early morning is exceptional watching the many animals roam free together amongst rich lush landscape is breath taking. Lek is an incredible woman, so friendly and beautiful inside and out. I will definitely visit Lek and her elephants again. Please never take an elephant ride or feed elephants in the streets, both cruel practises have to be banished. Elephants need to be rescued and protected so they can live a happy and carefree existence.