Tomorrow will be a freaky Friday the 13th, but in Thailand, the beauty of the national animal is also celebrated annually on March 13.
National Thai Elephant Day was established to emphasise the importance of the pachyderm and its role in the country’s history and culture as well as the protection and conservation of the elephant population and its natural habitats.
World Animal Protection is one of a few organisations involved in protecting the majestic creature. Its projects in Thailand encourage local communities to change their business practices for the betterment of themselves and the elephants.
A partnership with Following Giants — a tourist attraction on Koh Lanta off the coast of Krabi — has created an environment that allows the jumbos to happily roam free in a lush green jungle.
Elephants-in-residence include Jahn, Sow, and Chok, who have been given a new lease of life at the sanctuary.
In her 40s, Jahn spent most of her adult life logging heavy commercial wood and giving rides to tourists. Sexagenarian Sow also faced similar hardships in providing endless rides in various camps in southern Thailand.
Somchok or Chok, whose name means fortunate, was used as a prop in documentaries, movies, commercials, and wedding photos as well as give ride to tourists.
World Animal Protection is against the abuse and cruelty of elephants from the promotion and sale of elephant entertainment, which includes participating in shows and giving rides.
The organisation has also supported the transformation of Following Giants as a traditional trekking camp into a more sustainable, elephant-friendly venue.
Visitors can observe the herd graze, bathe and socialise as they do in nature, or join activities such as distributing ‘’seed bombs’’ or food to fulfil the gentle giants’ big appetites.
Besides Following Giants in Koh Lanta, World Animal Protection previously also helped transform ChangChill in Mae Wang, Chiang Mai into an observation-only model.
The observation-only model allows visitors to see the elephants’ natural behaviour.
For additional information, visit followinggiants.net
and changchill.com.
