A Community Project

Local Staff

We employ local staff in a wide range of jobs from elephant riders to guide assistants. A vet is also employed to assist rescues and emergencies at short notice. During busy periods additional staff are brought in from local villages to assist in a variety of tasks. Communication and administration are organised from the main town office.

Living quarters are provided by the park but the mahouts do not spent their nights there. Instead they go to the forest with their elephants and pitch hammocks so that they can keep a watch on their companions. This is a tradition and indicative of the caring attitude that these keepers have towards their animals. Most of these mahouts are from the Karen hill-tribe - a race of people, originating from Tibet famed for their unique special relationship with elephants.

The park operates in co-operation with the local community who benefit not only from the creation of jobs but local agricultural produce is used to feed visitors. This provides a sustainable market and income for other villagers. This, in turn, prevents wide-scale city-bound migration and helps the community to maintain a balance

As part of our education plans we cater to groups of orphans and poor children visiting the park for a welcome day out.  This is one of the few chances they get to enjoy their natural heritage. Their smiles are an ample reward for our efforts

Home > Elephant Nature Park > A community project