<strong>Elephant Nature Park: </strong>Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park has rescued more than 200 elephants from the tourism and logging industries since its inception in the 1990s.
Elephant Nature Park: Chiang Mai's Elephant Nature Park has rescued more than 200 elephants from the tourism and logging industries since its inception in the 1990s.
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<strong>No rides allowed: </strong>Instead of potentially harmful activities, such as rides, Elephant Nature Park volunteers can participate in a variety of experiences, from bathing and feeding elephants, to following them on jungle treks.
No rides allowed: Instead of potentially harmful activities, such as rides, Elephant Nature Park volunteers can participate in a variety of experiences, from bathing and feeding elephants, to following them on jungle treks.
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<strong>Chiang Mai, Thailand: </strong>CNN's Richard Quest recently visited the park and met up with its Thai founder, Sangdeaun "Lek" Chailert.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: CNN's Richard Quest recently visited the park and met up with its Thai founder, Sangdeaun "Lek" Chailert.
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<strong>Unconditional love: </strong>"Elephants teach me a lot," says Sangdeaun, pictured here with Quest. "They have this love that humans don't have. A love for life, unconditional love -- and this is what we have to learn from them."
Unconditional love: "Elephants teach me a lot," says Sangdeaun, pictured here with Quest. "They have this love that humans don't have. A love for life, unconditional love -- and this is what we have to learn from them."
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<strong>New arrivals: </strong>During half-day or overnight visits, travelers might meet Dok Geaw -- a baby elephant just born in May -- as well as Tilly, who was rescued from a trekking camp. The park also offers seven-day volunteer experiences.
New arrivals: During half-day or overnight visits, travelers might meet Dok Geaw -- a baby elephant just born in May -- as well as Tilly, who was rescued from a trekking camp. The park also offers seven-day volunteer experiences.
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<strong>Insatiable appetites: </strong>As Quest found out during his recent visit (check out the above video for a closer look), the elephants aren't shy when it's time for a snack.
Insatiable appetites: As Quest found out during his recent visit (check out the above video for a closer look), the elephants aren't shy when it's time for a snack.
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<strong>Dwindling population: </strong>Experts estimate Thailand's elephant population has dwindled to 3,000-4,000 (down from 100,000) over the past century. The decline is mostly due to threats from tourism, logging, poaching and human encroachment on elephant habitats.
Dwindling population: Experts estimate Thailand's elephant population has dwindled to 3,000-4,000 (down from 100,000) over the past century. The decline is mostly due to threats from tourism, logging, poaching and human encroachment on elephant habitats.
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<strong>Elephant Nature Park: </strong>"I think it's very important to come here and care for elephants, rather than use the animals for entertainment," says park founder Sangdeaun.
Elephant Nature Park: "I think it's very important to come here and care for elephants, rather than use the animals for entertainment," says park founder Sangdeaun.
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