Thandwe elephant camp opens to the public

09 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 February 2023, Thandwe

An elephant camp was opened last week for public recreation in Thandwe, with the Myanmar Timber Enterprise opening the Sarnitaung elephant camp on February 2.

The camp was opened with the intention of taking better care of elephants owned by the enterprise, and to create a source of income for the enterprise, which is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

“We want residents to come and explore the camp so that they understand the nature of elephants, which will help reduce conflicts between humans and elephants,” said an official of the Sarnitaung elephant camp.

The new sanctuary currently houses three elephants, with more coming depending on the number of nature lovers who visit the camp.

“We have 123 [working] elephants in the forests of Taungup, Gwa, and Thandwe. Some of them will join Sarnitaung elephant camp if the camp needs more elephants,” said the official.

Some 70 people have visited the camp over the past week since the camp opened a week ago.

The admission fee is 1,000 kyats per head for Myanmar citizens, and 15,000 kyats for foreigners. An elephant ride costs 5,000 kyats per head for Myanmar citizens, and 15,000 kyats for foreigners. Visitors can feed the elephants as well.

The elephant camp is located just five miles outside the town. There is also an elephant camp near Kinponchone Village in Thandwe, which is only accessible by boat.

“It is good that the new elephant camp is close to the town. We can visit it easily,” said Thandwe resident Ko Naing Oo.

Sarnitaung elephant camp was initially scheduled for opening on March 20, 2021, but the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors postponed the opening until this month.