Baby elephant tub time

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."

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! 

 

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. 

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!! 

                     

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!

Hall of Fame

Jumbo congratulations to Melissa Dowling for achieving Silver status in our Hall of Fame, as this is her tenth visit! Melissa looks after our oldest Elephant Sinuwan her dedication to her is a beautiful thing. Although we and Sinuwan do hope that watermelon will be shared 

The cold days!

Its that time of the year when our elderly elephants require extra warmth. 

Welcome back to Sharon

Welcome back to Sharon! Sharon came 10 years ago and the last thing she said when she was getting in the car to leave was I will be back. Her advice is don't leave it for 10 years! Sharon cared for Pisamy the first time who has since passed, but she is loving caring for Rasamee.

Welcome to Lexi our newest staff team member

Jumbo welcome to Lexi Zamrzla! We are excited to introduce Lexi, our newest staff team member. Having worked with Elephants in Zimbabwe and the USA, Lexi is passionate about elephant conservation and sharing that with others so she is looking forward to meeting you all! Looks like Soi already likes her!

Flooding, day 20

Day 20, water is receding and we are working hard to get everything operational again, but a lot of dead plants though.

New baby born, number 69!

What a wonderful start of the day!
Welcome to the world Number 69! Well that was a surprise! Well done Galaget on the birth of your big healthy boy! This is Galaget's fourth baby, no wonder she is so relaxed!

Katherine in our Hall of Fame

We are thrilled to announce our latest Hall of Fame inductee. Jumbo congratulations to Katherine who has now been to Elephantstay six times! In Katherine's words "I love coming back to help look after all the elephants. Every time there is something new to experience and see. I especially love spoiling Rumruay with lots of attention and plenty of treats. The staff are always so welcoming, it feels like a second home. I can't wait for my next trip!"

October 13 Thailand in mourning.

Thailand is now in an official 30 day period of mourning following the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Floods over

We are very happy to see the water is going down.

The water did not rise as much as in last flood, but it sure was a scary time again..

New Mahout houses

They are working hard to get the Mahout Houses ready as soon as possible.

New staff

Meet David our newest staff member. We are thrilled to have David join our team. David's animal management skills and lecturing experience in animal science makes him a great addition to Elephantstay so you can be sure to learn a lot! Welcome David!

New staff

Meet Leanne, our new Program Operations Officer. We are excited to have Leanne come on board and help look after our many Elephantstayers. Leanne has extensive zoo keeping and animal experience so don't be afraid to ask her lots of questions. Let's all welcome Leanne!

Volunteer Update

Jumbo welcome to our newest volunteer Caroline Ward.
Caroline is with us for 2 months learning everything she can about elephants while she is here, to help her pursue a career with animals. Rosukon has already stolen her heart! Thanks for being part of our team!

Baby elephant whirlpool 1

Our babies love to play in the water.
Do not know this game they are playing now, but it sure is big fun!

Please visit our You Tube Channel for more videos of our elephants at Elephantstay:
https://www.youtube.com/user/royalelephantkraal/videos