Learn - Mason Elephant Lodge

ASIA'S FIRST WELFARE CERTIFIED ELEPHANT PARK

The Mason Elephant Park & Lodge is incredibly proud to be the first elephant park in Asia to be awarded the Gold Certification from the Asian Captive Elephants Standards.

Asian Captive Elephants Standards (ACES) is an independent enterprise providing elephant camps with the methodology, guidance, and on-site support to ensure all captive elephants are receiving the highest level of welfare possible through a rigorous assessment and audit process conducted by an experienced and dedicated team of elephant specialists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists.

Over the last 2 years Mason Adventures has worked closely together with ACES to further develop all aspects of the park for our elephants, staff, and guests alike to continue to uphold a sustainable future for the critically-endangered Sumatran elephant.

www.elephantstandards.com

SEE OUR CERTIFICATE

GOLD ACCREDITATION 190+ CRITERIA

The goal of Certification is to ensure captive elephants are receiving the highest level of animal welfare, veterinary and conservation care possible. To achieve this, we had to comply with 8 individual sets of Accreditation, within which, there were a total of 191 seperate areas of evaluation :

CAMP MANAGEMENT - Operations, Registration, Legal Compliance, Microchiping & ID books & Reporting

STAFF MANAGEMENT - Employee Working Conditions, Training, Wages, Health Checks, Insurance & Records

ELEPHANT WELFARE - Animal Living Conditions, Socialisation, Diet, Vet Care, Health, Breeding & Supervision

ELEPHANT INTERACTIONS - Activities Scheduling: Riding, Bathing, Washing, Walking, Free-Roam & Feeding

CAMP QUALITY - Environmental Sustainability, Energy Conservation, Waste Management & Recycling

VISITOR SAFETY / EXPERIENCE - Visitor Education, Facilities, Communication, Engagement & Insurance

COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Local Engagement: Staffing & Resources, Protection Initiatives & Ivory Awareness

CONSERVATION - Protection Policies, Education & Awareness, Transparency, Logistics & Local Involvement

SEE AUDIT OVERVIEW

SUMATRAN CONTAINMENT CAMPS - ELEPHANTS ORIGINAL HOME

It is important to note that none of our elephants were ever taken directly from the wild. Our elephants were all rescued from Sumatran ‘Containment Camps’, where they were tethered for months on end and only had an average life expectancy of 3–7 years

United Nations FOQ - Sumatran Containment Camps Review www.fao.org

RESCUING ELEPHANTS FROM THE CAMPS

Our team made 3 rescue missions throughout Sumatra across multiple Containment Camps, the last being in 2004. In total, we managed to rescue 27 elephants who all had to be transported by truck and ferry more than 1,700km to Bali where they now happily call home.

WHY WE'RE LOCATED HERE IN TARO

Due to the area's higher altitude, cleaner air, higher rainfall, cooler climate and lush tropical atmosphere, we chose Taro-Ubud as the best home for these gentle giants. It is much like their original habitat of the Sumatran jungle.

ELEPHANT'S DIET, HEALTH & WELLBEING

Every single elephant has their own individual diet, depending on their age, weight, sex and digestion. They each enjoy a balanced diet of grasses, palm stem and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our elephants are regularly exercised, mentally stimulated and have appropriate amounts of socialisation and resting periods.

ELEPHANT'S DIET, HEALTH & WELLBEING

Every single elephant has their own individual diet, depending on their age, weight, sex and digestion. They each enjoy a balanced diet of grasses, palm stem and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our elephants are regularly exercised, mentally stimulated and have appropriate amounts of socialisation and resting periods.

VETERINARY CARE & SUPERVISION

The elephants in our care are routinely checked by their Mahouts every morning and evening for any signs of being unwell or potential injury. As well and regular vitamin supplements, the elephants receive regular inspections by our established veterinary team.

NATURAL BREEDING PROGRAM

When it comes to breeding, we let nature take its course. To date, we have had 5 beautiful baby elephants born at our Park... with, we believe, more on the way! You're very welcome to come and meet Jegeg aged - 10yrs, Ganteng - 10yrs, Risky - 9yrs, Fajar - 6yrs and Arjuna born June 2019.

NATURAL BREEDING PROGRAM

When it comes to breeding, we let nature take its course. To date, we have had 5 beautiful baby elephants born at our Park... with, we believe, more on the way! You're very welcome to come and meet Jegeg aged - 10yrs, Ganteng - 10yrs, Risky - 9yrs, Fajar - 6yrs and Arjuna born June 2019.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Over the years we have maintained a wonderful collaboration with local villages and currently employ over 800 local staff company-wide. We also have an extended network of local community partners who together, help supply our elephants with 7 tonnes of food each day... It's a lot of work and a lot of food!

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILTY & CONSERVATION

We donate the majority of our elephant dung to the local villages who use it to fertilise their crops, as well as use it on our own gardens. We also donate our food scraps to the local pig farmers. Additionally, we have also hand planted over a million trees, plants and flowers.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILTY & CONSERVATION

We donate the majority of our elephant dung to the local villages who use it to fertilise their crops, as well as use it on our own gardens. We also donate our food scraps to the local pig farmers. Additionally, we have also hand planted over a million trees, plants and flowers.

ELEPHANT / CARER RELATIONSHIPS

Every Mahout (Trainer) spends years developing a special bond between themselves and the elephant in their care. All training is done using our own unique system of patience, repetition & reward. Our park has never condoned the use of cruel training methods ever, and we have a no-punishment policy at our park.

ELEPHANT RIDES - THE FACTS

Although this may come as a surprise to many, when done ethically, rides are actually very beneficial for an elephant’s overall health and wellbeing for the following reasons: regulates circulation & respiration, sustains muscle growth & bone density, helps them digest food, improves cognitive health & prevents foot ailments. Even a 2 guest ride equates to only 6-7% of the elephants body weight, which is far less than a horse ride with averages at 20%.

http://www.journals.plos.org/

ELEPHANT RIDES - THE FACTS

Although this may come as a surprise to many, when done ethically, rides are actually very beneficial for an elephant’s overall health and wellbeing for the following reasons: regulates circulation & respiration, sustains muscle growth & bone density, helps them digest food, improves cognitive health & prevents foot ailments. Even a 2 guest ride equates to only 6-7% of the elephants body weight, which is far less than a horse ride with averages at 20%.

http://www.journals.plos.org/

ELEPHANT RESTING PADS

As our elephants were rescued from Sumatran ‘Containment Camps’ from many separate areas and herds, consequently, not all elephants get along well with one another. Our elephants are only tethered during their meal and sleep times, which helps prevents elephant fights, bullying, food stealing & protects the park an local environment.

THE FUTURE

The future of Sumatra is uncertain. However if the hard but necessary steps were taken to stabilise the situation, our Park would be looking at gradually reintroducing the herd back into the regions that they once called home.

THE FUTURE

The future of Sumatra is uncertain. However if the hard but necessary steps were taken to stabilise the situation, our Park would be looking at gradually reintroducing the herd back into the regions that they once called home.

OUR EXTENDED ELEPHANT FAMILY

Seng Wong & Suparjo
Senggigi & Made Suana
Arum & Catur Kusworo
Melani & Made Suweta
Lukcip & Wayan Agustina
Desi & Wayan Budi
Rama & Suwanto
Fitri & Ni Wayan Sri Lestariani
Kusuma & Supomo
Tagor & Suntoro
Dewi & I Wayan Sartana

Ardila & I Nyoman Budiana
Eva & Gamal Prakoso
Niki & Suryono
Ola & Putu Sudiarta
Olin & Wayan Mada
Ramona & I Nyoman Raka
Bores & Sukatno
Yanti & Salhabil Siregar
Novi & Sugimin
Roxy & Ahmad Zahra Siregar
Puspa & Ahmad Rifai

Tia & Wayan Wartana
Dina & Made Widiantara
Faty & Muhamad Rifai
Ryan & I Komang Darmadi
Deby & I Nyoman Budiasa
Jegeg & I Made Birawan
Ganteng & Hendra Juli Pramono
Rizki & Deddy Nurdiansyah
Fajar & Gede Yandika
Arjuna & Made Sudarma