The consensus among elephant welfare experts is that the elephants should not be forced to do any specific activities like bathing with humans. The most ethical sanctuaries are those that have no physical interaction with the elephants (Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is one). The elephants should be allowed to behave naturally rather than have structured activities. Many people will only want to go where they can touch the elephants. If that is the case, this type of park is a "more ethical" choice than riding elephants or supporting places where elephants are forced to do tricks like painting. It is not the "most ethical" choice, but seems a decent alternative to those who insist on touching the animals. I liked this video - you obviously wanted to do the right thing and I think you made a decent choice. Thank you for showing us your experience - it looked like a lot of fun and the elephants seemed comfortable. Like you said, it can be tricky and hard to know what a place is really like behind the scenes.
Kat, your regular videos are a nice landmark in the week, great to look forward to, especially now that our Winter Of Discontent has started! Where will you be next time, we wonder?
It’s NOT “super” ethical to swim with elephants or touch them. They don’t allow it at Elephant Nature Park and Voices For Asian Elephants agrees. Also, are the elephants chained up at night or do they have a large enclosure? Often they’re tied up with chains at night.
