Research Trip
Donation protected
I have always loved elephants and in September 2014 my husband and I traveled to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand for our anniversary to not only celebrate but to fulfill my dream of riding an elephant.
Before we left though, I researched different places that provided ethical riding (no chair) and I found a place. We also made reservations to spend the day of our anniversary at a elephant park that did not have riding.
The first place we went, taught you the commands to instruct the elephant while riding, to have them move to the left , right and straight. I remember sitting on top of this elephant with the biggest smile on my face and she looked up at me as well and smiled, but I couldn't do it. I began to cry.
Later on that day after lunch, as the group split off to rest or explore I walked down to the elephants. Each one was chained by the leg and swaying back and forth. I knew in my heart they were not happy, and I could see their sadness in their eyes.
My experience stayed with me and I knew I had to do something.
As a Anthropology student I knew that I wanted to study Asia, upon my return from Thailand my purpose was shown to me.
This fall, I will be returning not only to Thailand but also to Cambodia to volunteer and research at six different projects that not only are for elephants but for the Hill Tribe people.
My work is on the ethical and cultural awareness between hill tribes and the elephants.
To help pave the way for a future in which elephants are not ridden, poached, overworked or abused.
With ethical tourism and education, the Karen people will be able to sustain not only a deeper connection with the elephants, but also their bonds with them.
I am doing this trip without receving school credit or monetary reimbursement.
I will be blogging my trip with updates with pictures and videos in between locations.
I hope that my trip will provide the awareness those who like me may not truly know the truth behind the glamour of elephant riding.
There has been so much in the news about the cruelty of elephants and big changes. I want to show the faces behind ethical toursim. There are so many misconceptions and false information regarding the care and treatment of elephants, I want to show the people who have loved the elephants and want to protect them.
Before we left though, I researched different places that provided ethical riding (no chair) and I found a place. We also made reservations to spend the day of our anniversary at a elephant park that did not have riding.
The first place we went, taught you the commands to instruct the elephant while riding, to have them move to the left , right and straight. I remember sitting on top of this elephant with the biggest smile on my face and she looked up at me as well and smiled, but I couldn't do it. I began to cry.
Later on that day after lunch, as the group split off to rest or explore I walked down to the elephants. Each one was chained by the leg and swaying back and forth. I knew in my heart they were not happy, and I could see their sadness in their eyes.
My experience stayed with me and I knew I had to do something.
As a Anthropology student I knew that I wanted to study Asia, upon my return from Thailand my purpose was shown to me.
This fall, I will be returning not only to Thailand but also to Cambodia to volunteer and research at six different projects that not only are for elephants but for the Hill Tribe people.
My work is on the ethical and cultural awareness between hill tribes and the elephants.
To help pave the way for a future in which elephants are not ridden, poached, overworked or abused.
With ethical tourism and education, the Karen people will be able to sustain not only a deeper connection with the elephants, but also their bonds with them.
I am doing this trip without receving school credit or monetary reimbursement.
I will be blogging my trip with updates with pictures and videos in between locations.
I hope that my trip will provide the awareness those who like me may not truly know the truth behind the glamour of elephant riding.
There has been so much in the news about the cruelty of elephants and big changes. I want to show the faces behind ethical toursim. There are so many misconceptions and false information regarding the care and treatment of elephants, I want to show the people who have loved the elephants and want to protect them.
Organizer
Tiffany Parker
Organizer
Pittsburgh, PA
