In Phuket, Thailand, a baby elephant named Fah Sai has captivated visitors with his exuberant bath-time antics at the Elephant Retirement Park. Initially shy, Fah Sai’s enthusiasm for water grew as he started playfully kicking at it.
As he became more comfortable, he eagerly immersed himself further into the water, responding to a caretaker who sprayed water from a hose over his back.
This prompted Fah Sai to fully submerge himself, rolling around and splashing water over the tub’s edges.
Fah Sai’s playful behavior included rolling onto his side and submerging his head underwater while holding his breath.
When he finally emerged, he flopped his trunk over the tub’s edge, relaxing with evident satisfaction.
Founded by Mr. Adulwit Khamya, the Elephant Retirement Park houses eight elephants of different ages.
The park’s dedicated caretakers focus on providing these elephants with a high quality of life, emphasizing their well-being.
In contrast, a documentary by Mancunian comedian Joe Keogh, titled An Elephant Never Forgets, highlights the harsher realities many elephants face in Thailand’s tourism industry.
The film reveals troubling conditions and abuse that elephants often endure, especially those used for riding or street begging.
The Elephant Retirement Park stands out for its commitment to ethical elephant care. Their website affirms, “There is no riding, chaining, or beating. Our sole focus is on promoting the well-being of retired elephants.”
Visitors and volunteers can work alongside the local Mahout people, contributing to caring for these majestic animals.