Page 70 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

When we noticed there were no males in
sight, Joe explained that many of the men
work at nearby elephant sanctuaries. One
was our next stop - for an encounter we will
never forget.
As always, Joe prepped us for our time
at the Eco Elephant Sanctuary, one of more
than two dozen in the area where elephants
threatened by poaching and habitat loss
are minded. Educational programs that
bring tourists in contact with these gentle
giants have replaced often unethical ele-
phant shows and rides. Our close encounter,
Joe explained, would include the making of
elephant “poop paper” - just the thought
made us laugh. Bathing the elephants was
another optional activity. “Just remember,”
he said. “what elephants do when they get
in the water. They poop!”
Our experience started with “Elephant
101,” a fascinating intro into their habits, so-
cial structure, reproduction, health issues,
and, yes, their enormous appetites. When
they aren’t resting, elephants forage and
munch grass and other vegetation - up to
600 pounds daily.
Near the enclosure, we were introduced
to one of the sanctuary’s eight elephants
and her devoted mahout or caretaker-
trainer. The bond between them was pow-
erful and touching - a friendship forged in
trust and respect. Two mahouts explained
what it's like to work side-by-side these
behemoths, learning how to judge their
moods, health and needs. With them stand-
ing by, we gave the elephant a hug, grati-
fied as she waved her enormous ears in
pleasure.
Sustainability is a guiding principle
here. Nothing goes to waste—not even ele-
phant poop. The sanctuary cleverly recy-
cles it into organic fertilizer and a
surprisingly beautiful handmade paper. We
watched the whole process, from scooping,
soaking and straining onto drying flats.
The final product - clean, textured, and
scent-free - becomes notebooks and sou-
venirs sold in the Sanctuary’s shop.

70 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025