Tuesday 16 October 2018

Welcome to the world baby number 71

Welcome to the world number 71! This morning at 2am a big healthy baby girl was born to Buannoi. Baby is drinking well! This is Buannoi's third baby. Elestayers will remember she is the one who had the baby in The Last Mahout !

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Rob Prugue story

Want to use this platform to formally apologize to Michelle, Ewa, Lexie, and everyone at Elephantstay. Today I allowed myself to get triggered by some tourist’s who walked into Elephantstay with an already closed mind about elephant rights. While I admittedly knew that I should let Lexie answer these bigot’s questions (true definition, intolerance of other views), I can’t stands no more (as per Popeye would say) and tore in.
I asked these western opinionated tourists if they had a cat or dog, and if so, is their home the animals natural habitat? “Ah, but they’re domesticated”, they foolishly responded. Well elephants have been domesticated for near 5,000 years; which is WAY longer than dogs.
They got annoyed, I guess for being challenged to a view contrary to their own. This is where my Latino temper kicked in. I said how dare they come to a different culture and impose their morals on a cutler older than theirs?!? Just because they eat Dim Sums on a Sunday at their local doesn’t mean they “understand” the eastern culture. But honestly, my getting emotionally angry was more a reflection of my bond with Jumpee. I felt their criticism, however intended, was one directed at my new BFF, Jumpee.
I guess it comes down to a simple question; do you think humans and animals can cohabitate? If no, then their questions were more for discourse than they were for seeking some sort of awareness. If yes, then spending even half a day at Elephantstay would show them just how much people DO care.
So while I will always have Jumpee’s back, I am sincere when I say I’m sorry to you all. I hope my temper didn’t cause anyone any shame nor harm.

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Thursday 13 September 2018

Welcome back Patrick and Celia

Welcome Back Wednesday to Patrick and Celia! Patrick and Celia came 12 years ago on their honeymoon in the first year we were open and looked after Loongsap, who sadly is no longer with us. But they wanted to come back with their children Cassie and Rufus as they never forgot what a great experience they had. We had to give them Jumpee who loves young children and of course loved being looked after by them all! 

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Monday 10 September 2018

Baby elephant wants to play ... and then gets stuck | Elephantstay

Special pellets for our retired elephant, Rosukon | Elephantstay

Dream Big!

“DREAM BIG - Elephantstay is a must do AMAZING experience for all ages! - My Family had planned a trip to #Elephantstay for many years. The experience was mind blowing and so much more than we had ever dreamt about. I planned this trip so I could celebrate my 40th Birthday here with my Husband, 5 children and my Mother.
To witness the love and dedication that the mahouts and village people have for these beautiful animals is incredible. The elephants are very well cared for and treated with the upmost respect.
The special bond developed and close interactions we experienced with our own individual elephants was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Distinguishing the features of our own elephants to recognise them was an interesting fun activity but one that made your love grow even further.
Riding the elephants was definitely a highlight for me, going into the river twice a day was so enjoyable. I felt like I belonged and could achieve anything on my elephant @Rumruay.
Watching my children’s confidence grow each day with these large magnificent animals was beautiful. My children were 5, 6, 9, 12 & 14. They all participated in every activity with such joy and enthusiasm. I loved watching them play with the gorgeous village children too. They don’t speak the same language but their smiles and laughter are the same.
Our days were exhausting because we wanted to get the biggest reward every day and that is exactly what we got.
The accommodation is basic, very clean and has every thing you need. The food is delicious.
The staff are very informative, helpful and friendly. One of our Son’s was quite taken with Lexi and loved helping her. He still talks fondly of her.
Playing with the baby elephants and washing them was a highlight for us all. They are so playful, cheeky, strong & cute.
Ewa kindly organised the perfect cake for my 40th Birthday which topped off my magical day. I even did a photo shoot with my elephant & balloons.
I will be forever grateful for the amazing time spent making precious memories with my Family here and spending quality time together. Our lives are so much richer from having this life changing opportunity.
I urge families to DREAM BIG and do what ever you have to do to stay at Elephantstay!
A big thank you to Michelle, Ewa, Lexi and all villagers for a perfect dream come true. Our lives are blessed for knowing you & we will cherish our time with you all."
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Wednesday 29 August 2018

Elephantstayer review

An amazing week - one we will never forget!
Our family of 4 (including children aged 12 and 😎 wanted a hands-on experience with Elephants. We dont mind getting back to basics and getting dirty, and we wanted to get involved (not just watch).
We got all that and more at Elephantstay.
All of the wonderful people who work there made us feel a part of the place from the first day. There was no pressure to do anything we didnt want to do, and there were clear guidelines and expectations set right up front.
The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to do your own thing in between the daily routine of looking after your elephants.

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Tuesday 14 August 2018

Welcome back Kathy and Marc Greenleaf

Welcome back Wednesday to Kathy and Mark Greenleaf! This is Kathy's seventh time and Mark's second. Mark was happy to be finally be able to return as he says "everyone who comes here should return". What was very special about this trip is they brought along their sons from America to join the program and experience what has become a great passion for Kathy. Its been elephantastic having you all here and we hope to see you all again soon! Thanks for looking after Rosukon, Rasamee Jumpee and Oijai! 

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Thursday 2 August 2018

Life changing experience

My friend raved about #Elephantstay and when she asked if I would go with her I said "yes" but never did I think it would change my life. Elephantstay is a working elephant village which, in my opinion, just adds to the charm. From the moment you arrive, you are immersed in the village life. You are assigned an #elephant that you look after for the duration and it is an amazing experience to connect so deeply with such a huge but loving beast. You also learn a lot about Thai culture and the part elephants play in that. If you are looking for a 5 star hotel with all the amenities, this is not the place but if you are looking for some place clean and comfortable then it's perfect (and wifi is included). Besides, you are so tired from riding and looking after the elephants that at the end of the day, you just want a comfy bed which they have. Michelle and Ewa are fabulous hosts and Lexi is with you every step of the way. Safety is at the forefront of everything that they do at Elephantstay. The food is fantastic!!!! I learned some life changing lessons, got some great photos and had the experience of a life time. If you go to Thailand and are looking for an experience with elephants THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!!! I plan on going back many many times and bringing all my friends. I hope you love it as much as I do!!!

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Welcome back Deb Dyson

Welcome back Wednesday and we are happy to welcome back Deb Dyson! "This is my second visit at elephantstay and it will definitely wont be my last. 
I love this place, the elephants, the people, the culture, the food and the work. I have worked with Michelle while she was a zoo keeper at Melbourne Zoo and have been friends ever since. I am so proud of the work both Michelle and Ewa are doing for the elephants, educating people about the Thai culture. They are doing an amazing job. 
I had the privilege to care for Rasamee, such a beautiful majestic girl who would never say no to a treat or two! My favorite time was when I walked her down to the river and we had a swim together."


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Bayer visits again.

The Global and Regional CEO's of Bayer's Animal Health, Dr. Dirk Ehle and Mr Rajesh came with Guido Grassi, to see the work we are doing and where their sponsorship is helping us. It was great to have the opportunity to explain the projects we are doing for the Elephants in Thailand. 

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Wednesday 18 July 2018

Happy Birthday!

Nowhere better to spend an elephantastic milestone birthday than Elephantstay! Thanks Renai for bringing the whole family to spend time with and support our elephants! Happy birthday!

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Monday 16 July 2018

All babies welcome!

We welcome all ages to our program as you are never too young to meet and interact with elephants. Being an elephant village we have many babies both 4 and 2 legged! Jumpee loves babies and so do the mahouts as you can see Bee was very taken with baby Gac and both he and Jumpee looked after Gac as if he was their own.

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Welcome back to Alison Plain

It's Welcome Back Wednesday and today we are thrilled to welcome back Alison Plain who is also being inducted into the Elephantstay Hall of Fame as a bronze member! Thank you for coming 6 times! Alison first came in 2007 and has been returning regularly ever since! As she says it is testament in itself that she continues to visit on a regular basis! Thank you for looking after Rosukon! 

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Baby elephant 1 week old, Gaowgalong

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Tuesday 3 July 2018

Elephants and people playing together in river

For this and more videos, please subscribe to our Youtube channel:  Elephantstay


Welcome back to Jenny Dickens

It is Welcome Back Wednesday and today we have a very special welcome back to Jenny Dickens who has come for the 19th time! Amazing support from a great friend! Thank you Jenny! Jenny loves to bring groups to Elephantstay through her Elephant Encounters group! Come on her next trip and enjoy looking after and learning about elephants! Rumruay is one lucky elephant having Jenny care for her!
I love coming here, the whole ethos of Elephantstay and the Foundation! It's like an extended family, both two and four legged...it's great to be part of the village, see the little elephants growing up, new babies in the village... the community spirit. I'll keep coming to support Thailand's 🐘 culture!! 


                     

Monday 25 June 2018

Welcome back Kathy Greenleaf

Its welcome back Wednesday! We have so many people returning to Elephantstay to bond with their elephant, we thought it should have a special day we can all look forward to! Today its welcome back to Kathy Greenleaf. This is Kathy's sixth visit!! As Kathy says "Elephantstay is not just about "riding elephants". There is much work to be done on a daily basis. Cleaning up their poo, showering the ele's to exfoliate and check skin integrity, preparing daily supplements, hauling pineapple plants and let's not forget the walks which provide exercise as well as socialization and time to eat grass and play in the river. Truly a life changing experience! Everytime I learn more about the culture and living in Thailand that is very important to me" Thanks for looking after Rosukon again Kathy!

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St. Stephens International School

Yesterday we gave a talk about elephants to the kids at St Stephens International School. It was a lot of fun as the kids were were so enthusiastic and excited about elephants. They worked hard to give us a generous donation and support all the work the foundation does. Thank you St. Stephens! 

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Monday 18 June 2018

Congratulations to Eleanor Morley

Congratulations to Eleanor Morley for being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a bronze member! 
"My sixth visit to Elephantstay and I was able to re-establish my friendship with the delightful Ms. H. This is the third time I have had the privilege and pleasure of spending a week with Honey.
You are always made to feel completely at home by Ewa and Michelle and made to feel part of the Elephantstay family.
You are able to interact closely with your elephant - feed, water, clean and ride, along with overall care as well as learning Thai history and culture of its people and their relationship with elephants, where the staff show complete dedication to the welfare of these magnificent creatures.
Your stay here is always very comfortable and your needs well looked after, and, the food is sensational!
Having stayed here many times myself, it will only take one visit and you know you will return!
My thanks and gratitude to all involved in my week at Elephantstay".


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Welcome back to Adam Porter

Welcome back to Adam Porter. Adam came last year with Jenny's Elephant Encounters group, loved it and had so much fun he came back again . And of course he wanted to spend more time with Yitor. Adam is already planning to return again next year!

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Thursday 14 June 2018

Welcome back to Howard!

"My third visit to Elephantstay and had a wonderful day. My daughter Milly's first visit. She loved it as much as I. Was great to see Jumpee looking so well. Unfortunately, Ewa and Michelle weren't at home during our visit, but Lexi took fantastic care of us and made sure we both had a very fun and memorable day" Thank you for looking after Jumpee again and see you next time! 

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Our Friend Pablo and his photos

Pablo visits us every year and he shares a lot of wonderful photos with us. Here his latest photos of our babies having fun.
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Wednesday 13 June 2018

Welcom back to Signe!

Welcome back to Signe! Signe coming again was very special! "The last time I was at Elephantstay, I was 11 years old. Since I was 11 I have had a dream to come back. Come back to Sinuwan, the other beautiful elephants and the wonderful dedicated people working at Elephantstay. Thank you for having me again" Hopefully it wont be 9 years till we see you again! Thank you for remembering and caring for Sinuwan again.

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Friday 1 June 2018

Visakha Bucha Day

Tuesday May 29 was Visakha Bucha Day. One of the most important Buddhist holidays. Monks came and brought a big truckload of pineapples for the elephants. Many people made merit. You can see them all holding pineapples for the elephants while they prayed. #makingmerit#spiritualbeliefs

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Monday 7 May 2018

Royal Elephant Kraal Restoration 2018

The Royal Elephant Kraal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is need of restoration. Today Pi Om and the Mor Chang from Surin and Chaiyaphum as well as dignitaries and directors of the Fine Art Department conducted a ceremony to commemorate and begin the restoration. It is vital to recognize and understand the significance of the site and its unique place in Thailand's history and elephant culture.

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Monday 26 March 2018

Welcome back Cathy

Jumbo congratulations to Cathy Green for her fifth visit and entering into our Hall of Fame as a bronze member! Cathy loves Elephantstay because in her words, "As well as visiting with our beautiful girl, Rosukon, I enjoy immersing myself in the Elephantstay village and the rhythms of daily life. After a chat with a friend my daughter and I first came to Elephantstay and one of the most amazing experiences of my life began. Every visit there is more to learn and appreciate" Thank you for your great support Cathy!
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Monday 19 March 2018

Welcome back Kevin

Welcome back to Kevin for third time, who is still charmed, by Elephanstay. As he says "I respect and admire the way that Elephanstay works to preserve the role of the Mahout in Thai culture as well as their unapologetic dedication to Elephant conservation. I hope to keep coming back again and again" So do we Kevin and thanks for looking after Jumpee! #iloveelephantstay #elephantconservation

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Tuesday 23 January 2018

Our one day program in the picture!

We do offer a one day elephant program at Elephantstay (cost 5,000 Baht per person). This follows our normal longer program for elephants as described on our website. Availability is limited, so please contact us by email: info@elephantstay.com

Since 2000 we have had 70 successful births. Considering there are only 3,500 registered elephants in Thailand and limited forest for sustaining wild populations, our breeding program is vital to ensuring elephants survive into the future and that there is genetic diversity amongst the population. The majority of our mothers have given tourists rides until closer or even up to the time they give birth. Which proves how effective the socialization and exercise is to giving successful births.


Monday 22 January 2018

Welcome back to Peter and Michael!

Welcome back to Peter and Michael! It may have taken 8 years but it was always on their minds to return as like all our Elephantstayers they found the elephants to be magical and wonderful and they just loved their time here in the village with us all! Thank you for looking after Rasamee and Jumpee again!

Monday 8 January 2018

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Dave and Arlene. They returned because they missed everyone at the village and especially Yitor. They love how peaceful and stress free the village. Thanks for looking after Yitor again. 

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Wednesday 3 January 2018