Chiang Mai: Ethical Elephant Feeding & Shower Program

The Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Feeding & Shower Program offers a unique opportunity for guests to interact with rescued elephants in a compassionate setting. Participants can feed the gentle giants fresh fruits and vegetables, then shower the elephants, fostering a special bond while promoting the animals’ well-being. This immersive program highlights the sanctuary’s commitment to rescue and rehabilitation, ensuring an unforgettable experience. But what sets this program apart from others, and why should one consider it for their next visit to Chiang Mai?

Key Points

• Visitors participate in an ethical elephant feeding program at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• Guests receive a comprehensive safety briefing and guidelines on respectful interaction with the elephants.
• Visitors have the opportunity to hand-feed the elephants fresh fruits and vegetables and witness their dexterity.
• Guests engage in a refreshing elephant shower experience, learning about the importance of this activity for the elephants.
• The sanctuary offers an educational experience, including a hands-on activity to create handmade elephant poop paper and explore interactive exhibits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Arrive at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

After being picked up from the designated meeting point, visitors arrive at the entrance of the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

They’re greeted by the sanctuary staff and given a brief overview of the day’s activities. Guests are then led to the orientation area where they learn about elephant behavior, safety protocols, and the sanctuary’s mission to rescue and rehabilitate elephants.

With excitement building, visitors eagerly await their opportunity to interact with the gentle giants and learn more about their care and conservation.

Elephant Behavior and Safety Guidelines

The sanctuary staff leads your to a designated area where they provide an in-depth briefing on elephant behavior and important safety guidelines.

Guests learn about the elephants’ social structure, communication methods, and unique characteristics. They’re instructed to avoid sudden movements, loud noises, and getting too close to the animals.

The guides emphasize the importance of following their directions and respecting the elephants’ space. Guests are also informed about proper etiquette, such as not feeding the elephants without permission and being mindful of their surroundings.

This briefing equips visitors with the knowledge to have a safe and meaningful interaction with the rescued elephants.

Feeding the Elephants

Once the safety briefing concludes, guests eagerly make their way to the feeding area. Here, they are greeted by the gentle giants, ready to enjoy a nutritious meal. Guides instruct visitors on the proper way to hand-feed the elephants, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience. The elephants enthusiastically accept the fresh fruits and vegetables, their trunks delicately plucking the offerings from outstretched hands. As the elephants savor their treat, guests marvel at their dexterity and the close connection they are able to form with these magnificent creatures.

| Fruit | Vegetable | Supplement |

| — | — | — |

| Bananas | Carrots | Mineral Blocks |

| Pineapple | Corn | Vitamin-Enriched Pellets |

| Watermelon | Sweet Potatoes | Nutritious Leaves |

Elephant Rain Shower

Having completed the elephant feeding, guests eagerly make their way to the outdoor shower area.

There, they’re provided with buckets and can scoop up water to douse the elephants. The gentle giants revel in the refreshing shower, spraying water and playfully interacting with their human companions.

Guides explain the importance of this daily activity, which allows the elephants to regulate their body temperature and stay clean.

Guides explain this daily activity allows elephants to regulate their body temperature and stay clean.

Guests leave the sanctuary feeling rejuvenated, having shared a special moment with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

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Changing Clothes and Facilities

After the refreshing rain shower, guests head to the provided facilities to change out of their wet clothes.

The facilities offer:

• Spacious changing rooms with hooks and benches

• Ample space to change and store belongings

• Clean and well-maintained restrooms

• Purified water sources and towels

• Lockers for securing valuables during the program

Once dry and refreshed, guests can then move on to the next activity – learning to make elephant poop paper at the EJS Education Center.

Making Elephant Poop Paper

Guests then head to the EJS Education Center to learn the process of creating handmade elephant poop paper. They discover an innovative way to recycle and repurpose the elephants’ natural byproduct.

| Step | Description |

| — | — |

| 1 | Collect fresh elephant dung |

| 2 | Clean and dry the dung |

| 3 | Soak the dried dung in water |

| 4 | Blend the soaked dung into a pulp |

| 5 | Spread the pulp onto a frame and let it dry |

The resulting elephant poop paper is unique, eco-friendly, and a testament to the sanctuary’s commitment to sustainability and education.

Visiting the EJS Education Center

After completing the hands-on experience of making elephant poop paper, visitors head to the EJS Education Center to further explore the sanctuary’s commitment to education and sustainability.

The center features:

• Interactive exhibits on elephant biology, behavior, and conservation

• Informative displays about the sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation programs

• A theater screening documentaries on the plight of Asian elephants

• Educational resources for teachers and students

• A gift shop selling ethically-sourced souvenirs and products supporting the sanctuary’s mission.

Through the EJS Education Center, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the vital work of the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Inclusions, Add-ons, and Important Information

The activity includes accident insurance, one free drink, elephant food, and transportation to and from the sanctuary. Visitors can also opt to add on a Tie Dye Handkerchief Workshop at checkout.

| Important Information |

| — | — | — |

| Meeting Point | Sanctuary Entrance | 10 minutes before start time |

| Address | 356 M.9 Tambol, Tambon San Klang, Amphoe San Pa Tong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50129, Thailand |

| What to Bring | Hat, swimwear, towel, passport (copy accepted) |

| Recommendations | Wear comfortable clothing, use sunscreen/insect repellent, bring water, and a camera. Respect elephants and follow guide instructions. |

Since You Asked

What Is the Staff-To-Elephant Ratio at the Sanctuary?

The staff-to-elephant ratio at the sanctuary is not explicitly provided in the given information. The program focuses on the interactive experience with rescued elephants and the educational aspects of elephant care and conservation.

Do I Need to Know Any Thai Language for This Activity?

No, visitors do not need to know any Thai language for this activity. The guides provide all instructions and information in English, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for international travelers.

Can I Ride the Elephants During the Experience?

No, visitors cannot ride the elephants during this experience. The focus is on providing a safe, ethical, and educational interaction with the rescued elephants through feeding, showering, and learning about their behavior and care.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Food Options Provided?

The experience includes vegetarian and vegan food options for the elephant feeding. Participants can prepare natural dietary supplements for the elephants using fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables provided during the activity.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Taking Photographs or Videos?

The experience includes taking photos and videos at no additional cost. However, visitors are asked to respect the elephants and follow the guide’s instructions when interacting with them.

The Sum Up

The Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Feeding & Shower Program provides a unique opportunity to connect with rescued elephants in a compassionate setting. Participants learn about elephant behavior, feed the gentle giants, and shower them, fostering a special bond. This immersive experience highlights the sanctuary’s commitment to rescue and rehabilitation, offering an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures.

You can check availability for your dates here: