This past weekend, I witnessed elephants painting at the Thai Elephant
Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand. The TECC is the first place in
Thailand where elephants learned how to paint, and these gentle giants
can actually paint incredible works of art. It was one of the most
stunning, unforgettable experiences of my life.
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang has very strict humane treatment guidelines. More than 50 elephants dwell in the TECC in Lampang, and 6 of which are King Bhumibol’s white elephants in the Royal Elephant Stables. As
Thailand’s only government-owned elephant camp, the TECC is a leader in
the ethical treatment and research of these beautiful animals. Far too
many elephant camps in Thailand do not adhere to humane treatment
guidelines, so please do some research on any elephant center before you
plan a visit.
It only costs 200 baht ($7) for adult admission into the TECC. At first
you get to see elephants bathing in a pond and playfully splashing each
other and the trainers. Once the elephants are clean, they line up and
prepare for a performance.
Hands down, the highlight of the performance at the Thai Elephant
Conservation Center was witnessing the creativity of these beautiful
giants. One elephant played music on a massive xylophone while others
painted stunningly beautiful pictures on canvases.
The performance is marveling. The elephants each bow their heads as
they’re introduced, then display their outstanding strength and
creativity in an incredible show.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw the elephants
painting. It is absolutely one of the most amazing things I’ve ever
witnessed. I was so moved by the performance that I bought one of the
paintings. At 500 baht ($15), you can buy a painting of an elephant by an elephant, and support the TECC. The creative expression of an animal is true art, and I would have gladly paid much more.
The experience I had at the camp was not what you’d expect from a
typical touristy elephant center (because it isn’t one). As a pioneer in
conservation and elephant science, the TECC is exactly as the website
describes: a “relaxed, non-commercial experience.” The camp is naturally
located in the middle of the jungle on the outskirts of Lampang,
Thailand.
If you ever visit northern Thailand, you must plan a trip to Lampang to
see the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Seeing these massive
creatures up close and personal was breathtaking, but when I witnessed
the elephants painting, I was almost moved to tears. They say an
elephant never forgets. I know that I will never forget this experience.
