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 !

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.

Baby elephant tub time

How to eat a banana leaf

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! 

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."

Baby elephant wants to play with Gik (a female mahout) | Elephantstay

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Retired Elephant grazing in the sun

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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.

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! 

 

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!!!

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."

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. 

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!

Baby playing in bath

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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.

 

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! 

                         

Baby elephant 1 week old, Gaowgalong

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