Seattle Maison

May | June 2016

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crew assist the villagers in sustaining their distinct culture. . Another ingenious business endeavor guided by monetary constraints of a non-profit and the need to further educate the public on elephants, are the volunteer opportunities at Elephant Nature Park. Tourists who are interested in elephants are able to purchase a night at the elephant park or a week or more. Here they will tend to the elephants by feeding them, walking with them in their environment and washing them in the river. It's a true hands on experience with the largest land animal on earth. Volunteers stay in huts on the property, eat 3 large, vegan buffet style meals a day while overlooking the herd, and interact and work alongside other volunteers assisting in the maintenance of the park. One of the main chores, apart from elephant care, is the rainforest restoration project. More than 25 acres of mountainside will be planted every year for the first five years, this will ensure the ecological balance of plants and animals at the park. Lek has been lauded her for efforts by being chosen as the Asian Hero of the Year by Time Magazine in 2005, being recognized by National Geographic, featured in several documentaries, and was even touted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as one of Six Heroes of Global Conservation. Lek can be found most days where she belongs: in the mud and grass, with the elephants.

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