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DO NOT SUPPORT THIS PLACE – ANIMAL ABUSE !
I booked a tour from a man who had a stand outside of the hostel where I was staying. Throughout my stay, I saw several people buying from him, so I trusted he was legitimate. My friend and I told him clearly that we wanted to see and feed elephants not ride them, as we don’t support that kind of treatment.
He assured us that the tour involved no riding just feeding, bathing, and observing the elephants in the water. The photos he showed made it seem like a peaceful and ethical experience, where you splash water on the elephants with buckets.
Unfortunately, that was far from the reality.
As soon as we arrived, we saw people riding elephants, which was exactly what we said we didn’t want. The staff there pressured us to get on the elephants, even though we said we were uncomfortable and didn’t support it. One elephant had visible wounds and scabs on its head, and the handlers were using sticks with sharp hooks to control them. It was heartbreaking.
When we asked to get off, the guide got upset, started filming us, and told us we wouldn’t get a refund even if we didn’t participate. The entire experience felt exploitative and dishonest.
The elephants at the camp were chained with short metal chains, unable to move freely. They looked exhausted and in pain. I regret supporting this tour at all. These animals are clearly being abused for the entertainment of tourists.
Please don’t go here. Don’t support this...
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I don't really WANT to say I am into animal tourism, especially of these big beautiful creatures. I felt like it was something I needed to experience, so I made sure to take the solo trip, which meant the elephant didn't have to carry two people and a metal seat. I got to be throw up in the air, in the water by their powerful trunk and also do a backflip off my elephants (His name was Potato) head. My elephants trainer seemed to be good enough to his elephant, though all trainers carried large metal hooks as "enforcers". I didn't see them being used, but I don't also doubt the elephants were trained through some pain and fear so they don't act out. The guests are very nice to the elephants because we genuinely want to be near them and check them out. The elephant shows where they dance is a mix of awkward, funny, charming and a bit sad when you really think about it. Gotta say though, an elephant shaking its rump to Bruno Mars was something I won't forget.
Yes, they're making money off a captive animal. Yes, it's a fun experience and you won't forget it. Decide for yourself if...
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Booking this tour means that you’re preparing yourself to get up at 7am, ride to view a cemetery and bridge. Then you’ll spend two hours at the waterfalls. The you stop at a random shopping center near the bridge approximately 2 hours from the waterfall. The “lunch” provided is a meal at 9am that you most likely won’t eat for several hours later.
Upon arrival here you will quickly learn that this is NOT a sanctuary. The employees are sitting on top of the elephants and a circus performance will occur. We told the travel agent that we did not want to go somewhere with elephant riding. Upon arrival, the baby elephant was chained up. They use tools with a hook on the end to guide the elephants. The employees then beg for tips. We expected to bathe and feed the elephants for at least an hour. We walk from the resting/feeding area to the river which was only a 1 minute walk. The entire process at this place was less than 15 minutes. My husband and I were mortified at the abuse these beautiful animals are subjected to. I will never return or recommend this company to anymore....
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