My day at Elephant Joy

So many people when travelling want to go to some form of animal sanctuary, whether that be just going to look round, or helping out and volunteering. I always wanted to visit an elephant sanctuary, so when our trip to India was booked and arranged, this could finally be checked off my list.

Not enough tourists really research before they go to elephant sanctuaries and this is such an important step to take before you just rush in to anything. So many sanctuaries hide behind the façade of caring for the animals, when in reality they are mistreating them and often making them work. Carrying heavy loads or groups of tourists on their backs on long journeys to make money - most often causing life long back problems for these loyal and beautiful creatures.

When we were looking in to elephant sanctuaries we were in Jaipur, and this city in particular had several sanctuaries available to visit and volunteer at. This is the case in a lot of countries. The problem definitely isn't that the amount of sanctuaries is lacking. There are many to choose from, however the amount that actually care for the animals, without making them work is often limited.

After a lot of searching, looking on the internet and searching through leaflets we found in the hostel we were in, we eventually found Elephant Joy. After then talking to the staff at the hostel we were staying in, it was confirmed to us that the sanctuary we had found was popular and that they care for their animals.

We paid for the 'day with the elephants' package which included a taxi there and back so saved any confusion with getting to the location of the sanctuary. When we first arrived we were greeted by the team that look after the elephants and offered chai tea and fizzy drinks or water. We were then told a little about the elephants and their family, and began feeding them. The rest of this package includes painting them with all natural paints with traditional Indian designs or anything you like really. It is then followed by washing them down and cleaning all of the paint off, and then they enjoy a nice walk around the surrounding areas of the sanctuary.

The whole day was an experience I will never forget and would massively recommend to anyone travelling where this opportunity is available to you.