Chiang Mai | Karen Tribe Elephant Sanctuary Visit
I wanted to know more about elephants. So I decided to visit an elephant sanctuary hosted by the Karen tribe team. Sun and the team did a very good job in sharing their knowledge not just about elephants, but also about their life, and Karen tribe beliefs and culture.
Now, before you go berserk about elephant riding, which has always been a constant debate in the media. Elephant riding has always been in Thai culture. "Unethical" elephant riding has been labeled by foreigners and operators who buy elephants to run "ethical" elephant sanctuary businesses.
The word "unethical" elephant riding still doesn't have a clear definition. But with proper knowledge and cultural sharing, we will be able to define what "unethical" elephant riding means to all of us.
In my opinion, unethical elephant riding is using tools (bullhooks, goat, ankus) on elephants, abusive training methods (“crush” enclosures/Phaajaan), and using "baskets" and overloading people on top of elephants. From how the way I see it, the elephants here in this sanctuary are living better lives than the ones I've seen in zoos and circuses. Even better than most household pets I would say lol!!!
But then, that's my definition of "unethical" elephant riding. What's yours?
Elephant Operator :
https://www.karentribenativeelephants...
Song Credits :
Lay Lay Tae Na Gu by Deepunu • Lay Lay Tae Na Gu - Deepunu, Karen musicia...
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Genshin Impact 3.0 OST Album "Forest of Jnana and Vidya"
Hustle and Bustle of Ormos + Scorching Outpost
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#chiangmai #thailand #travel #elephant #elephants #karen #karentribe #elephantsanctuary #elephantride #elephantriding #genshinimpact