U Myo Min Ko, assistant manager from the Palin Kantharyar elephant camp, said that the elephant camp has reopened starting from 25 May following the COVID-19 rules and regulations.
The camp is operated under Myanma Timber Enterprise, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
The camp is located near West Palin village and only five miles away from Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, near Ayeyawady River.
The Palin Kanthayar elephant camp has been closed to visitors since 25 March 2020 as a precaution against COVID-19. Then, the camp officials have attempted to reopen the elephant camp. In the meantime, some renovations were done in the camp: construction of side view bridge to see sunset view of the Ayeyawady river, the building of long-legged tents along the river bank for the elephant lovers to rest well, serving the fresh food and drink on the tents, construction of treehouse to view Ayeyawady river and side view bridge from above, creating the playground and garden for visitors and creating a place to see the bath time for elephant.
The camp has also constructed an international standard elephant museum for elephant lovers to learn about elephant history. The museum displays the different characteristics between African elephants and Asian elephants and the structure of the elephant body. The elephant chorus is also showcased to help the elephants obey the orders of human.
The entrance fee is K1,000 for a person and K5,000 each for an elephant ride. For foreigners, it will cost K20,000 per person and K10,000 each for an elephant ride.
The entrance fee will also be free of charge for children and Sangha and nuns, said U Myo Min Ko.
MTE operates 22 elephant camps nationwide. The elephant lovers can feed the elephant the buffet. They could donate the money through the elephant camp’s social media page. There are seven elephants — from a year old to a 27-year-old one in Palin Kanthayar elephant camp.
The authorities have already introduced elephant-based tourism. Palin Kanthayar elephant camp has now reopened in line with the COVID-19 rules and regulations formulated by the Ministry of Health and Sports.
Hmaw Yaw Gyi elephant camp in Kyaukdaga Township, Bago Region and Wingabaw elephant camp resumed their operation from 20 May. — Ko Htein (KPD)/GNLM
