On January 27^th and 29th, Elephant Nature Park brought its mahouts and park staff on a trip around Chiang Mai. They visited many different sites around Chiang Mai that they would normally not have many opportunities to see. Each day started with a meal at a buffet before leaving to see the sites.

The first group on the consisted mostly of mahouts. Their day was filled with a trip to Chiang Mai Zoo, Huay Kaew Waterfall, and Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The second group was made up of other park staff. They visited Chiang Mai Zoo and the waterfall but also went on a trip to Central Kad Sun Kaew, a mall in Chiang Mai. Some children and family members came along as well.

At Chiang Mai Zoo there were many activities that our staff participated in. Of course, they saw the animals there, but also got to spend time in the aquarium and snow dome. This was a great experience for our staff since most have never seen the ocean and none have ever seen the snow, much less gone sledding. Many of our staff are refugees from Burma and have few opportunities to do such activities. Caring for elephants is a very time-consuming job. At the Aquarium, our staff members and their families were able to walk in the tunnel and view fish from below. They also got to feed the fish.

The day was a great success and enjoyed by all who came. This coming week, many of the mahouts that did not participate in the trip around Chiang Mai will go on a beach trip and enjoy a few much-deserved days off. All of the staff’s hard work is much appreciated. The park’s success would not be possible without them. Look for an update and pictures next week from the trip to the beach.

Mahouts and staff at the zoo

Entering the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

Looking at fish in the aquarium

Visiting Huay Kaew Waterfall

At Central Kad Sun Kaew Mall in Chiang Mai

Taking photos at the aquarium

Getting ready to enter the Snow Dome