Ngalaik Sakhantha Camp: Elephant Conservation base Tourism in Nay Pyi Taw

Arrangements have been made for recreation activities during COVID-19 period at Ngalaik Sakhantha Elephant Camp Nay Pyi Taw in line with the social distancing measures. Situated on Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, the Elephant Camp was developed by the Myanma Timber Enterprise under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. It was established on 8th May 2017, and the total area of the camp is 573 acres.

Deputy In-Charge, Ngalaik Sakhantha Elephant Camp, Khant Kyaw Kyaw said “We are making necessary preparations for convenient operation of the camp in post-COVID period. We also carry out renovation tasks. For those who wish to visit here during this time, we make arrangements for social distancing and other health related measures.”

There are 22 elephant camps in the whole country, and unlike other camps, it was built under the theme of elephant conservation base tourism. The retired timber elephants have been conserved and at the same time, it creates job opportunities for the mahouts.

Mahout, Maung Win said “I have to look after 8 elephants. Previously I worked as the mahout at the timber elephant camp. In 2017, I moved here at the recreation camp since it first established. It's been over four years.” 

Myanmar ranks second in possessing Asian elephants in the world. There are over 3,100 elephants, owned by the Myanmar Timber Enterprise. Altogether 19 elephants, 6 male and 13 female are conserved at Ngalaik Sakhantha Camp. The elephants have been providing medical check-up every month and administered the necessary vaccines accordingly.

Assistant Manager, Elephant Vet in Nay Pyi Taw and Shan State (South), Dr Myo Nay Zar said “We carry out monthly medical check-up for the elephants. We also inject vaccine and give anthelmintic medicines. If there occured the emergency cases, we give treatment. For the vaccines, we gave vaccine for Anthrax once a year in April. For Endotheliotropic herpesvirus, we gave vaccine for twice a year in June and December respectively.”

It is learnt that plans are underway to expand the camp area without damaging the natural environment.

Deputy In-Charge, Ngalaik Sakhantha Elephant Camp, Khant Kyaw Kyaw said “Since the opening of the camp, we undertake the tasks with the strength of our staff as much as we can. At present, it is improving a lot. We will continue to expand the tasks depending on the time and budget. For this, we will carry out the development tasks to attract the visitors without damaging the natural environment.”

The visitors can enjoy feeding elephants, observe their nature, while experiencing the elephant ride. There is also an elephant museum which can study the work process of timber extraction.The visitors can also take trekking along the jungle path and take relaxation at the stalls along the embankment. The entrance fee is 2000 kyats for locals and 10,000 kyats for the foreigners