AKYRA MANOR HOTEL RECONNECTS GUESTS WITH ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

akyra MANOR CHIANG MAI has launched a new Elephant Day Care Package for its guests to enjoy, which involves a day trip to the northern Thai capital’s hospital for elephants -operated by Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE), followed by a visit to Elephant Parade Land - creative home of the world-famous Elephant Parade. 

The signature morning at FAE Hospital visit will give guests the chance to develop a deeper connection with Thailand’s revered elephants – plus an understanding of the medical and wellbeing treatments provided by FAE’s expert staff.

The hospital’s activities generally fall into three categories: hospital inpatient treatments, outpatients, and mobile veterinary services. The FAE hospital has treated 794 inpatients and 1,058 outpatients over the last 24 years, and the average treatment rate breaks down to approximately 206 cases per year. This year alone, the hospital has already treated 47 cases

The signature afternoon at Elephant Parade Land adds to the unique appeal of this akyra Signature activity as guests then visit the creative home of the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues in aid of elephant conservation.

Visitors will enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the production studio to see acclaimed artists at work creating elaborately decorated elephant statues. They can then wander through the vibrant elephant statue garden filled with colorful life-size baby elephant statues painted by artists, brands and celebrities.

Elephant Parade Land also houses a museum, fun fact wall and elephant library with an attached movie room showing short films that highlight the importance of elephant conservation.

Anchalika Kijkanakorn, Founder and Managing Director of Akaryn Hotel Group said, “We wanted to introduce an alternative to the elephant trekking tours normally offered in Thailand and to raise awareness of the need to protect and respect these wonderful creatures. The FAE hospital treats every type of elephant – from calves to senior-adults, bulls and cows and we are delighted to be doing something practical to raise awareness of their work and the challenges they held elephants to overcome.”

Mike Spits, Founder of Elephant Parade added, “At FAE hospital, it’s easy to see how Mosha the elephant and this special place captured my father’s and my heart ten years ago to inspire Elephant Parade. Under Khun Soraida Salwala and the veterinary team, the hospital carries out pioneering work and has treated over 4,600 sick and injured elephants.”

“We look forward to welcoming people to Elephant Parade Land – and the opportunity for them to visit both destinations in a single day will give them a fuller picture of the authentic Elephant Parade story. Together we can raise awareness of the conservation issues the elephant faces and at Elephant Parade will invest in the future of the elephant through the charity projects we support,” he added.

The Elephant Day Care Package runs from 08:00 – 16:00 and costs THB 3,900 net/person (min 2 persons). For more information visit: www.theakyra.com/chiang-mai