Something special and unique has been created at Surin not only being
close to elephants but the people Ocha ,Prom, Nick, Sarot [last year
Kirsty ,Wills ]and all the mahoots do a fantastic job They make it feel
like a 2nd home and every day is an adventure and something special It
has really entered our hearts .The volunteers we have met some becoming
friends , also returning year after year feel the same .
This year on our 2nd week both river days were shared with 20
people on each day from a company called Camp Thailand .Before I go
further with this I would like to say that for the 2 weeks or 1 week
depending how long you stay we tackle cleaning shelters etc project
work no matter what it involves as we know thats part of being a
volunteer Its fun knowing that the reward is going for walks with
elephants enclosure time etc etc The river time is a very special time a
chance to get one to one face to face with these noble creatures ,
Elephants can go on to there sides get scrubbed etc etc It is a
treasured moment to take home and a nice reward for all
Going back to our 2nd week both Wed and Friday the 2 groups from Camp
Thailand arrived we raised our feelings very strongly about this prior
to there arrival first day we had 9 volunteers with 3
elephants separated from the big group Not quite the experience we
had last year or the first week not happy, but best of bad situation
.The Friday we were all in river together 30inc Mahoots of us and
sorry to say was not what I came to Suran for ,too many people , We
work at the project and appreciate this time as we gain knowledge about
the elephant and project Camp Thailand show up with none of this
basically to swim with elephants some walk with them later some dont
.s I do realise the need to raise money for land at Surin etc but I
dont think this is way it should be carried out
I would like to emphasise that in no way do I blame anyone at the
project from Ocha and the team at Surin do a great job but I am
questioning the management level who have decided to go ahead with this
and spolied a special time .I also have no doubt others who have
visited before would feel the same .