101 Challenges:

Location: Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Thailand

On the 1st of this month, we went to Mae Sa Elephant Camp and met with Kong Hum – a 10 year old grey elephant. Unlike the Tiger Temple (in our opinion), this sanctuary looked like it knew what it was doing and all the animals seemed like they were enjoying themselves.

We had Kong Hum to ourselves for the day and we were to experience working life at an elephant sanctuary. He was bathed, walked, fed and played with. All three of us enjoyed each other's company.

Almost forgetting, we had the delightful task of picking up the elephant dung scattered in somewhat excruciatingly large piles around the sanctuary. Lindsay proved a natural at this, Lee being far more wary. Nevertheless the job was done.

We had a great day out here and enjoyed being with Kong Hum, our new bestest elephant friend. That said, we also met other backpackers who went to another elephant sanctuary about 1½ hours outside Chaing Mai that sounds like it really is a sanctuary for elephants. It has elephants being cared for with 3 legs, broken backs and pelvises etc. These elephants are not working. So perhaps check this place out as an alternative if ever visiting Chaing Mai.

Talking about elephant camps, here's a camp elephant.