Great Elephant Adventure

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1 General Information
2 Cover
3 Information
- 3.1 Chapter 1: The Elephant Nature Park
- 3.2 Chapter 2: Wildlife Friends Foundation
4 Screenshots
5 Technical Specs
6 Links

[edit] General Information

Sociopolitical Documentary hosted by Paul O'Grady, published by ITV in 2024 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

Paul O'Grady travels through Thailand and Laos to celebrate the wonderful work done by elephant conservation centres to rescue, rehabilitate and protect these most majestic, but vulnerable, of animals. Filmed in the months before his sudden and unexpected death, this was Paul's final TV project and one that he was incredibly passionate about.

Thailand has the largest number of elephant rescue centres in the world, while Laos is nicknamed the 'land of a million elephants', and in each episode, Paul travels across the region to roll up his sleeves and muck in to help out at a different rescue centre. Along the way, Paul also heads out from the sanctuaries to grab a slice of local life by exploring nearby colourful markets, temples and apothecaries and trying local cuisine.

The series highlights challenges faced by elephants in the region and as ever, Paul's love for animals shines throughout. The tone is warm, playful and heartfelt and always characterised by his much-loved wit and humour.

[edit] Chapter 1: The Elephant Nature Park

Paul travels to the hills surrounding the ancient city of Chiang Mai, 400 miles north of Bangkok and known as the elephant capital of Thailand.

There are around 7000 elephants in Thailand, around half of which are domesticated and unable to live on their own in the wild. They often lead very tough lives working in the tourism industry and once they get injured or become too old to work, their futures can come under real theat.

Paul visits The Elephant Nature Park, which is the largest elephant rescue centre in Thailand, providing refuge and a retirement home for ex-working elephants since it was founded over 20 years ago by world renowned conservationist Lek Chailert.

[edit] Chapter 2: Wildlife Friends Foundation

Paul heads south near the beaches of Hua Hin to the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, the country's biggest wildlife hospital. Looking after any animal in need, the WFFT is sanctuary to 24 elephants mostly rescued from 'entertainment camps', where they performed in circuses, or work tirelessly in trekking camps taking holidaymakers for a ride.

Paul then crosses the Thailand border to neighbouring Laos – it's nicknamed the 'land of a million elephants' but sadly in reality, there are now less than 800 left in the country. To help arrest this startling decline in numbers, Paul heads to the Elephant Conservation Centre near Luang Prabang in the north, home to the country's only breeding programme, to learn about what is being done to try and boost the elephant population.

Paul takes part in a stunning Bacci ceremony, a religious Laotian ritual overseen by a local shaman to help bring good luck and fortune for the future of the Asian elephant. It's an emotional moment for Paul giving him the chance to reflect back on all the amazing elephants he's met during his time in South East Asia.