Elephant Nature Parks – The Future Models of Eco-tourism
The internet is playing a large part in helping the elephants of Thailand to survive as a species. Through blogs, online magazine articles and social media, the world is being aware of not only the existence of elephant nature parks but the plight of these magnificent animals, which made these parks necessary to the elephant’s survival.
The sheer amount of all attention being paid to elephants in Thailand has driven the growth and success of these elephant nature parks as a facet of tourism. As tourists start to embrace the virtues of eco-tourism through visits to the parks, eco-tourism as a concept starts to make sense to the visitors.
Ambassadors for the Natural World
As the word spreads around the world of the establishment of these elephant nature parks, the animals within them are serving as ambassadors for other species of wildlife as well.
The abuse and maltreatment of gibbons, tigers, bears, pangolins and other species of Thailand’s wildlife are starting to become public issues as people begin to understand more about the natural world and our need to conserve it for future generations.
The illegal and unethical trade in wild animal parts for traditional Chinese medicine is one area where the public is putting their collective foot down and working harder to eradicate this cruel practice.
Bear conservation parks are beginning to make headlines as naturalists rescue South-east Asia’s bears from cages where their bile was extracted to create traditional medicines. These parks are also attracting many tourists and visitors. And the money these tourists pay to visit these parks serves as self-sustaining income for the animals, staff salaries and the operation of these sanctuaries.
Separating the Good from the Bad
But anywhere that cash trades hands, you can expect there to be some bad players involved. Authorities and the public must join forces in creating some legal and enforceable standards of care within these nature parks.
Inspections of these parks must be carried out by the proper authorities and violators punished and run out of business. Otherwise, the good reputations and names of well-intentioned nature parks will be harmed as well in the outcry.
Lifelong Commitment
Thankfully, these bad operators are a small fraction of the elephant nature parks and animal sanctuaries in existence in Thailand today. Most organizations and operators of these parks have made a lifelong commitment to the welfare of the animals for which they’re providing new homes and freedom to live out their lives in peace.
As these parks become more respected and established in the years ahead, the public’s curiosity to visit them will only increase. And this is a good thing for all of nature and the health of the planet.
As more and more people become aware of the needs of wild animals, more wildernesses will be left intact and unsullied. The benefits to our air and water will begin to be noticeable. As rainforests and grasslands start to grow in size, surrounding towns and cities will reap the benefits of increased levels of oxygen and clean water. You can support this bright, new and clean future by supporting responsible elephant nature parks and animal sanctuaries on your next visit to Thailand
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