I'd heard so many conflicting opinions about Kulen Elephant Sanctuary in Siem Reap that I didn't know what to think. Elephant keeping is a controversial subject and one that often draws emotional responses. In April KEF cofounder David-Jaya Piot invited me to go and see the sanctuary, meet the elephants and answer any questions I had. Find below an excerpt of the article. If you want to read the full piece, you can through the link below.

"As we progressed, there was much to learn about the sanctuary’s beautiful residents. Take 47 year old Savath, for example, recognisable for a large tear in her left ear. She was bitten by a snake and had to have part of her ear removed in order to prevent the poison from spreading. While her early years remain a mystery, we do know that she probably had a child, is best friends with another elephant, Chi Chorb, and generally doesn’t like to be touched. She’s also a bona fide movie star, having appeared in the acclaimed documentary Last of the Elephant Men".

Has anyone been to Kulen Elephant Sanctuary? What were your impressions?

https://leightontravels.com/category/ku ... sanctuary/

Beautiful.
(And Leighton, that's much better than just posting a link to your blog. Thanks.)

The elephants seem genuinely happy, I've been a couple of times. Ultimately the owner is a French guy who puts profits first. He didn't seem to care when the elephants were overworked and died at angkor wat. His hand was forced for this new venture and it seems to be a great improvement for the elephants. I hope they have the budget to maintain them through these tough times.

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@AnchorMoy: Thanks, I'm glad you liked the article. I shall include an excerpt on any future shares! Cheers again.

@Typhoon28: Thanks for your considered response. My impressions were that they're really trying to do the right thing. I can't speak for what went on historically with the owner and the family, but have read some really terrible accusations online. I thought David seemed like a decent guy and he gave us a lot of time, not shirking away from difficult questions. Are there improvements to be made? Sure, starting with the issue of chains.

Leighton Travels wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:23 pm @Typhoon28: Thanks for your considered response. My impressions were that they're really trying to do the right thing. I can't speak for what went on historically with the owner and the family, but have read some really terrible accusations online. I thought David seemed like a decent guy and he gave us a lot of time, not shirking away from difficult questions. Are there improvements to be made? Sure, starting with the issue of chains.

Elephant tourism generates very strong emotions and the antis never seem to see the big picture, I'm a realist, there is no perfect solution, you cant just release them back into the wild. I think the experience they are now providing shows significant improvements on the past and wish them all the best.