The Elephant Haven is the name given to the safe wild section of mountain jungle It is Thailand Government owned land that Lek rents.

It was the only land she had for her elephants before a kind American benefactor bought her the land in the valley that is now called Elephant Nature Park. Lek said to us that she is actively trying to raise more money to increase the size of the Haven as and when land becomes available buy the land. Eventually she would like it to become a sort of National Park where Elephants and other Thai wildlife can live in a natural in environment.

Elephant Haven is located high on a mountaintop about a two to three hour walk away from Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng Valley. It has been maintained by Lek since 1992. There are over 100 acres of lush vegetation, far from any human encroachment and cultivated farms. The Elephant Haven is a safe jungle retreat for the elephants.

Most weeks, depending on the weather, Elephant Nature Park elephants and volunteers visit Elephant Haven for an overnight stay. Accompanied by an expert guide, volunteers enjoy a campfire atmosphere in a rustic setting while surrounded by elephants in their natural environment. Because of its remote location, the elephants are free to explore the jungle throughout the night. The next morning, the mahouts and volunteers set out to find where each elephant has wandered to in the jungle.

Volunteers and staff walk with the elephants during the climb to the haven, rather than sitting on top of them. Volunteers are able to see and hear the elephants as they amble through the jungle, uninhibited by harnesses or wooden chairs. More importantly no chains or sharp hooks are used to 'encourage' movement. Instead, the elephants are guided by their mahouts up to the forested sanctuary with little more than kind verbal encouragement.

The elephants set off from Elephant Nature Park about 2pm and walked along the road for about an hour until they came to the river crossing. At the river the elephants enjoy a nice cooling bath. Refreshed they begin the two-hour trip up the valley, into the hills and into the jungle. It is a magical place, which allows the elephants time to explore the jungle and the Elephant Nature Park volunteers an experience they will never forget. Tourists need to promote natural elephant tourism as a solution to the cruel 'Elephant Trekking Camps' zoos and street performing elephants. If more and more tourist demanded to see elephants in the wild rather than in elephant camps performing tricks the Thai Government might take action. www.elephantnaturefoundationonline.com

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