The narrator is visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they are rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that were previously used for tourism. The narrator and their companion, Paloma, participate in a volunteer program, where they feed, bathe, and give medicine to the elephants. They learn about the elephants' behavior, diet, and social structure, and are amazed by their size, strength, and gentle nature. The narrator notes that elephants can live for 60-70 years, have large families, and have a unique social hierarchy. They also learn about the sanctuary's efforts to rescue and protect elephants from abuse and exploitation. Overall, the experience is described as enjoyable and educational, and the narrator encourages viewers to consider volunteering at the sanctuary or supporting similar conservation efforts.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The location is an elephant refuge in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2. The refuge is dedicated to rescuing elephants that are on the streets in Thailand.
3. In some big cities in Thailand, elephants walking through the streets is a normal tourist activity.
4. However, some elephants may suffer abuse in these situations.
5. The refuge provides food and care to the rescued elephants.
6. Visitors can participate in activities such as feeding and bathing the elephants.
7. Elephants eat about 300 kilos of food per day.
8. The refuge has 15 elephants, with the youngest being 4 years old and the oldest being 57 years old.
9. Elephants can live for around 60-70 years, and some have been known to live up to 100 years.
10. Female elephants do not have tusks, and some male elephants may have had their tusks removed due to poaching.
11. Elephants have a gestation period of 2 years.
12. Baby elephants can walk within minutes of being born.
13. Male elephants may have multiple partners and can impregnate multiple females within a 2-year period.
14. Elephants have large family groups, typically consisting of 35-40 individuals.
15. The refuge is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers to care for the elephants.