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Elephant Safari Park

TIME : 2016/2/17 12:34:42

Abandoned and abused logging elephants from Sumatra have been given refuge at this camp in the cool, wet highlands of Taro (14km north of Ubud). Besides seeing a full complement of exhibits about elephants, you can ride one of 31 residents for an extra fee. Be aware that animal welfare groups claim elephant rides are harmful for the pachyderms, so it's worth reading up on the issues involved if you're considering that option.

While far from a perfect model (metal 'gancho' hooks are used on the elephants, which are chained up when unattended), this park has been praised for its conservation efforts. Be careful you don't end up at one of the rogue copycat parks, designed to divert the unwary to less salubrious elephant encounters.