Meet the Woman Who’s Saving Asia’s Elephants – Readers Digest Canada

Elephant Nature Park has been recognised as the Wildlife Sanctuary of the Year at the Prestige Awards ceremony held at Hazlewood Castle, near Leeds, UK. The award celebrates excellence and dedication in our field

Thailand's work elephants often lead a miserable existence. Animal welfare activist Lek Chailert has set up a sanctuary for rescued elephants in northern Thailand. There the animals can enjoy their retirement.

Beyond the amazing food, glittering temples and famously friendly culture, the country has yet another precious commodity: its elephants. And at Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in the Chiang Mai countryside, you’ll be surrounded by them.

Judges’ comments: Apart from all the usual elephant activities they also do rainforest restoration, have educational programmes, they set up Eleflix during the pandemic, they have 4 vets on site, they have their Elephant Food Bank, they have their Farm to Herd initiative, and they set up their Jumbo Express mobile clinic. A clear winner!

Beyond the mountainous landscapes and lush jungles of Northern Thailand lies a haven for the gentlest of creatures. "Many of them arrive here like a zombie, some of them arrive here and they don't know they are elephants, they stand still ... they walk in a circle," said Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, founder of the Elephant Nature Park.