Asian Elephant Look in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
Elephant Exposure Limited
Admittedly, I had very little interaction with elephants prior to my trip with Elephant Hills. The occasional circus here and zoo trip there. But visiting elephants, with Elephant Hills, truly opened my eyes to how magnificent and intelligent these creatures are. Video and photographs don’t do justice to the grace and compassion in which these giants exist. Gliding effortlessly between enthusiastic play and quiet solitude. Elephant Hills gives guest an opportunity to not only observe, but to interact with Asian elephants in a natural setting. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that stands out for us big city natives.
Thai guide demonstrating how elephants use their trunks in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
What does a Mahout really Do?
Quite possibly the most misrepresented animal handlers in the world, Mahouts have a bad reputation. Partially in part due to the severe mistreatment of elephants that some “mahouts” have been known to practice. Elephant Hills prides themselves on having quality Mahouts that ensure the welfare and safety of not only their elephant charges, but their human guests as well.
Mahout Walking Elephant in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
Elephant Hills employs the Karen peoples from north western Thailand. A community who are taught how to care for elephants from a very young age. The mahout way is pass on from generation to generation, creating not only a physical bond to the elephants but a cultural one as well. In an effort to better work with tourist some Mahouts elect to take English classes provided by Elephant Hills.
Guide Tik demonstrates the Ankusa and how it’s used to contrl the Asian Elephants in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
One of my concerns was the use of the Aṅkuśa, a sharp hook used to control the elephants. And at times used to “discipline” them. Those concerns were put to rest early as our guide explained what the Aṅkuśa is and how they use them at Elephant Hills. I made a special point to monitor the Mahouts behavior and the elephants body for marks. I can say I rarely saw the mahouts use them at all and when they did it was a light rub across the hide. Most commands were verbal. After getting VERY close to the elephants you can see that there had been no trauma and all were healthy and strong. Well taken care of by their handlers at Elephant Hills.
Elephants aren’t trained to paint or balance on balls here. Their taught to live. That’s it. Elephants here have been given a second chance at life and it’s truly a posh one.
The Innocence of Youth
Youth in all its forms reminds us how important conservation efforts are. Elephant Hills recently launched a conservation program. Although all elephants there are females, they bring in Bulls (male elephants) to get the miracle of life moving. This hasn’t resulted in any births the last few years but as the program expands spirits are high.
Baby Asian Elephant in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
Elephant Hills does have one special resident. A baby Asian Elephant. And she’s quite a sight to see. Her enthusiasm and energy can only be compared to that of the young children who were also on my trip. Watching them all interact was something every adult should witness. Unfortunately the global elephant population has been decimated by poaching and unethical tourist attractions. It’s important that children are able to interact with and observe these animals in an educational setting focused on their welfare. Elephant Hills is that place. With only 35-40 thousand wild African Elephants left, education is the key to their survival.
Getting Down and Dirty
Mahout watching over two female Asian Elephants in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
In my ignorance, I was SHOCKED to find out elephants can swim so well. A simple internet search would have clearly shown me this but I never had a reason to look. Half way through our visit two elephants were led to a large mud hole. AND THEY DISAPPEARED. I was really in shock at how long they stayed under water. Over and over they spun, dove, and rubbed in the mud hole.
Elephant at Elephant Hills Thailand in Mud Pool
Mud acts as a kind of sunscreen and coolant for the elephants. Not to mention the cool water. Throughout the day you’ll notice the elephants throwing dirt on themselves. This was definitely a sight to see.
Showering WITH Elephants?!?!?!
Mahout washes a female Asian Elephant in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
After their mud baths, three elephants were taken to an area for showers. Initially their Mahouts prepare them by giving them a preliminary soaking and rub down. Guest are free to choose whatever elephant they like. With the small groups that Elephant Hills operates, there is more than enough muddy elephant to go around.
Mahout and Elephant getting clean in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
Using coconut fibers, we scrubbed the elephants and sprayed them down with hoses. Being that hands on and personal with these massive creatures was a bit scary and inspiring at the same time. Their gentle nature shines through as they take care not to move much and actively interact with the guest. They are allowing you to wash them. Having fun of their own at times by flipping water with their ears or rubbing you with their trunks.
Tourist gets sprayed with water from Asian Elephants ears in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
Me washing and Asian Elephant at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
This is an experience that will change your perception of these magnificent creatures. Had this been the only experience the trip would have been more than worth it.
Culinary Skills and Pachyderm Palettes
These elephants EAT!!! A full grown Asian Elephant can eat up to 300 pounds of food a day. Needless to say we prepare a snack. Guest prepare the mid day meal for 8 elephants. This includes Sugar Cane, Pineapples, Bananas, a vitamin mix, and banana leafs. You’ll but them into smaller pieces and then get to feed them directly to each elephant. But don’t be surprised if they aren’t pleased with your offerings.
Asian Elephant diet in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
These elephants are very well kept so they can be a bit picky from my observation. For example, my elephant doesn’t like sugar cane. Every time I gave her one she would throw it on the ground in front of me and search for something else. Her favorites included pineapples and bananas when her sister wasn’t stealing food from her mouth. Not to mention she decided to slap me in the face with the last banana leaves I gave her.
Food preparation for Asian Elephants in Thailand at Elephant Hills Khao Sok
I was taken by how intelligent the elephants were. Clearly they had come to know this routine but seemed to enjoy every moment. Even posing for the camera. They say an elephant never forgets, well these beauties surely have mastered the aren’t of people pleasing.
See it for yourself
I have friends whom are against any form of animal tourism. Although there are unethical companies doing terrible things in the name of tourism, I believe that when done properly, experiences with animals can not only educate people but save these animals from extinction.
NOTE: If you take anything away from this piece, I hope it’s that riding Elephants is unnecessary. After my experience here and personal research, the physical tole it takes on elephants isn’t worth it. Please don’t do this.
Elephant Hills was recently awarded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Wanderlust Magazine with the Thailand Green Excellence Award for their Animal Welfare. This is a company that’s doing it right. I implore anyone who loves elephants to skip the riding and visit Elephant Hills for a truly special experience.
I was a guest of Elephants Hills and their outstanding staff.
