Anantara Golden Triangle casts spotlight on conservation for World Elephant Day

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort teamed up with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) to boost awareness on nature conservation as it celebrated World Elephant Day.

Held on 12th and 13th August, the event sought to inform the public about the critical role elephants play in ecosystems. By doing so, participating organisations encouraged people to support ongoing elephant conservation projects.

This year’s festivities included cultural ceremonies reflecting the spirit of Thailand, a craft market, a fruit feast for elephants, and educational activities for students from Chiang Rai and other guests.  

Anantara Golden Triangle general manager Arnaud Béril said of the event: “This year’s World Elephant Day event was a heartfelt gesture from our community to the elephants. We aimed to make an impact by planting seeds of awareness among students and guests about the importance of elephants and conservation.”

An interactive learning experience

The first day of the event featured an interactive learning session for students led by a resident veterinarian whose lecture focused on elephant anatomy and behaviour. 

The session included target training, a method of training elephants that aligns with elephants’ natural behaviours and eliminates the use of harmful tools. 

This was followed by seed planting activities designed to cultivate awareness of the importance of elephants and nature. 

The event also featured a craft market showcasing handcrafted art and products from local artisans, with this year’s highlight being live painting performances by local artists. 

The day concluded with a grand buffet of favourite fruits and vegetables for the elephants.  

Elephant blessing

The second day began with a sacred elephant blessing ceremony, known as the Pakham performed by the Khru Ba Yai or Elephant Spirit Men from Surin. 

The celebration concluded with a hosted lunch and a learning session with students from The School of the Blind in Mae Sai.

GTAEF group director for sustainability and conservation John Roberts said of the event: “In celebrating World Elephant Day we aim to share knowledge and highlight the importance of elephants, demonstrating their way of life to enhance awareness and foster an understanding of their crucial role in the conservation of ecosystems where they live in the wild as well as celebrating their cultural importance to Thailand.”