Our next family excursion with the car was a trip out to Mae Rim and up to the Maesa Elephant Camp.

Maesa Elephant Camp

Now I know that there are varying opinions about the Elephant camps around Chiang Mai, not withstanding how the Elephants are treated , but also as the the ethics of Elephant Rides and performances. My own preference would have been one of the Elephant conservation Parks, but time and budget restraints and small childrens needs won the day and I have to say that despite my concerns , I was impressed with the Maesa camp.
From what we saw the elephants looked well treated and, most important, appeared happy in what they were doing. it will probably be the last time I take a ride. I do feel that this maybe alright for kids, but can see that carrying heavy farangs on those big back saddles could be damaging over time.

The elephant handles the mud with ease

The

The half hour ride cost 800 baht per elephant, carrying up to 2 adults and one child.
There had been recent heavy rains so the path we trod was a very muddy one, but our elephants took it all in their stride. there is no denying the humbling feeling you get on the back of such a powerful and yet graceful animal.
After the ride came the show, included in the entrance fee of 120 baht.
Before going I might have joined the voices against such shows, but on witnessing this one it seemed to me no worse than taking your dog to an agility show. The Mahuts clearly loved their charges and the feeling looked to be reciprocated as the elephants performed dance like movements; played football and there was a lovely performance of removal of the Mahuts hats. The care each elephant took, judging the distance of the mahut carefully with their trunks before gently removing the hats and then replacing them, tapping them back on firmly but with great care.

An elephant bows after performing with his Mahut

The elephants looked to really enjoy this

The gentle Giant

this took several minutes

the elephant took such care

And then came the painting.

On the way in to the main visitor area, we had passed the shop stall where they have racks full of ‘elephant paintings’ for sale. The cynic in me had already commented that these might be churned out by a team of artists, who would know.

Well, now i know, they are churned out by a team of artists, during every show; and those artists are indeed elephants. Another most humbling moment and I was genuinely moved as a group of 6 elephants were lead into the show area, each given their own easel. The only assistance they had was having the brush dipped in the various pots of paint and passed to them by their handlers. maybe there is some sort of direction as the Mahuts were often holding onto one of the elephants ears, but even so the results were amazing.

mm i wonder what this will be

pretty

yep, its me

amazing!

all in all a great day out.
The total cost of the day, including car hire and fuel, entrance fees, not including peripheral spending…approx. 3000 baht