We Visited the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary!

So.

I wanted to write an update about Bailey and I flying from Indianapolis to Chicago to Qatar to Phuket, turning a strange two(?) day journey into one long day that touched on three days and left us surprisingly awake–able to relax and rest in our room–while we awaited the (hooray, negative!) results of our second mandatory COVID test in a week. It probably wouldn’t have been worth a whole post, but we want you to know that we arrived happy and whole Saturday afternoon, and aside from spending about twenty-one total hours on three different planes, the journey really wasn’t that bad. Since then, we’ve been exploring the Pullman Arcadia Resort where we’re staying, which is absolutely stunning. Go check out the pictures I’ve uploaded. This place is insanely beautiful: jungle flora, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, infinity pool, gosh the list goes on.

Today was the first day that we left the resort, and I am so excited that we did! We. Saw. Elephants!!!

We went to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary that was founded in order to give old, injured, and abused elephants a forever home in their natural habitat, but with medical care and assistance. All of these elephants are rescues, and they come from backgrounds in circuses, logging companies, riding companies, or being privately owned. Many of the elephants we met were blind or partially blind, and two of them had broken legs when they were rescued from logging camps and have since been rehabilitated. Too often, elephants’ stories are those of torture and abuse endured as labor animals and as entertainment for tourists very like us. It was hard to hear that, but it was important.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is different and because of that, it’s making a difference. There are many other elephant parks here on Phuket Island that we could have visited to feed the elephants and help them bathe and all sorts of activities, but did you know that elephants are shy? They like to bathe alone and can become stressed if there are too many people in the water. At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the needs and comfort of the elephants are respected. Yes, we got to feed one (it was snack time and they eat so. much. food.) and yes, we got to walk near them and take pictures, but the main difference is that the elephants are free to do as they please, and their boundaries are respected. We gave them their space and trusted their mahouts (their human guides and caretakers) to do what was best for the elephants, and not what made the most exciting tourist attraction. Interacting with elephants is about observing them, understanding their needs, and not forcing our own agenda on their complex and meaningful lives.

It really was the most amazing experience. These giant, beautiful, personality-filled wonders took my breath away, and I know Bailey felt the same. Walking their jungle paths, and observing them from the skywalk above, brought us so much closer to these animals than any sideshow or elephant ride could. It allowed us to see them be themselves with no fear of pain or punishment, and it was an honor.

If you want to see pictures of the elephants and their beautiful home, make sure to check out the Photos tab!