Lek Chailert was born in Baan Lao, a small village across the mountain from Elephant Nature Park, and empathizes with local traditions and cultures. Part of the mission of Elephant Nature Foundation is to develop links with the local community to engage them in the benefits of conservation.

We employ local staff in a wide range of jobs such as mahouts (elephant handlers), assistant guides, gardeners, and construction workers. A local vet is also employed to assist in rescues and emergencies on short notice. During busy periods, additional staff are brought in from nearby villages to assist in a variety of tasks.

The mahouts, each of whom has the responsibility of looking after an individual elephant, are mainly from the Karen people, the largest hill tribe in Thailand. Karen people have a long history of elephant care and management and in the days of heavy logging were the traditional elephant keepers in Thailand and Burma.

For many mahouts, looking after the elephants is not just a job: it is a way of life. As such, Elephant Nature Park mahouts live with their families at the Park full-time. Elephant Nature Foundation also helps support the education of the children of the mahouts and other staff.

Local sustainability is an important part of our outlook. We are beginning to grow our own vegetables using traditional methods as well as modern environmental ideas. Produce is bought from local farms to help feed the elephants.

Every time Jumbo Express goes to aid elephants and communities in remote areas, we work to ensure volunteers understand enough about the local culture to always respect the people in each place. Every cold season, Elephant Nature Foundation through Jumbo Express brings blankets and warm clothes to donate to families in need. Secondhand books and toys are also donated by the volunteers.