By
Lucas Teo ( ML615 )
22
LUMEN
Understanding Animal Stewardship in Chiang Mai
Josephians hard at work farming in the community garden
UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL STEWARDSHIP IN CHIANG MAI
The mistreatment of animals held in captivity for tourism is a perennial concern . In response to this worryingly persistent practice , the Chiang Mai Animal Conservation GEP , in partnership with the World Volunteers Group , offered Josephians an opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation efforts . Together , our goal was to raise awareness about the critical role of elephants in Thai culture as well as in the broader ecosystem .
Forty Josephians and five teachers went on this immersive 6-day programme which started with a visit to the Chang Chill Elephant Sanctuary , a model aiming to reintegrate captive elephants into their natural environment . This visit was truly eye-opening for all of us . With our beginnings firmly rooted in the Sanctuary ’ s ethos , we left with heightened awareness of a more ecologically considerate form of tourism .
Another purposeful aspect of service learning involved a collaboration with the local Thai community in the planting of bamboo shoots . These serve as a source of food for the elephants . While the activity may have been physically challenging , it was nonetheless meaningful in enabling all participants to work together to ensure the elephants are provided for .
Besides immersing ourselves in the company of elephants , this programme also enabled us to grow in our appreciation of Thai culture . Our imagination and creativity reached new heights as we participated in the traditional craft of Karen weaving , along cooking classes that whet our appetite .