The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, even after the sanctuary banned visitors from riding and bathing the adult pachyderms last October, in compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act 2010. In the first six months of 2013, the centre managed to draw 58,000 visitors!

The bathing activity was re-introduced early this year, but only with the elephant calves. Four to six workers are assigned to handle the bathing activity with visitors to ensure things are under control. But visitors are no longer allowed to climb on the young elephant calves.

"They can only scrub and splash water on the mammals. At the same time, we will allow them to take photographs while participating in the activity, which is still receiving strong support so far," said the head of the Sanctuary, Nasharuddin Othman. He also added that visitors are allowed to feed the young elephants, watch the adult elephants take a dip in the river with their mahouts and enjoy a 15 minute performance by seven animals.

"Gone are the days when elephants were only trained to perform at a circus or do tricks for entertainment. That is why we've decided to introduce activities that will help people understand these animals better and appreciate them."

Some of the new attractions include a new tourist information centre, roofed walkways, hanging bridges and a water retention pond.

The centre also plans on organizing activities with the Che Wong Orang Asli community for visitors to join them in jungle trekking and night walks.

Story and quote from: The New Straits Times

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