{"id":987514534,"date":"2023-11-25T17:41:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T16:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/elephantjourney.com\/our-history"},"modified":"2026-07-22T21:35:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T19:35:23","slug":"our-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.elephant-tours.de\/en\/our-history","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our History<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Decades-long commitment to elephants: Bodo Jens F\u00f6rster and all the employees of Elephant Special Tours have been advocating for the well-being of these majestic creatures for many years. Visitors from around the globe have experienced the fascination these wonderful animals evoke. Here's an overview of various stages, and there's no end in sight<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Tierpark Berlin<\/h2>

Bodo Jens F\u00f6rster was responsible for the elephants at the Berlin Zoo from 1987. This is where he acquired fundamental skills in handling these gentle giants, and his fascination for these majestic creatures began to grow.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/div>1987<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Pure fascination: Elephants of Asia<\/h2>

With the opening of the Berlin Wall, a new chapter began in Bodo's life. He traveled to various countries in Southeast Asia, always with the goal of encountering elephants and learning as much as possible. A particularly special experience was his visit to Thailand's most sacred elephant in the presence of King Bhumibol<\/span>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>1990<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Founding of Elephant Special Tours<\/h2>

With a globally unique concept, the Thai company was founded: experiencing elephants individually for several days, riding through the forests on them, and truly getting to know them - something that had never been done before. Our guests become part of the herd and learn everything about our elephants and the culture in which they grow up<\/span>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2002<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

View of the Lodge \"White House\"<\/h2>

Many years, the morning view from our base, the legendary 'White House' lodge, with its spectacular view of the local rice fields, was the starting point for our elephant tours. In 2020, the much-loved house had to be demolished due to its deteriorating condition<\/span>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2003<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

School project in the mountain village of Pamon<\/h2>

In the Karen village of Pamon, we have used a portion of our earnings to build a small school. Many children in this area are unable to attend school daily due to distance or their parents' low income. With the assistance of the staff from the 'King's Project' in Mae Sapok, we were able to realize our project.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2003<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Elephant camp in the forest<\/h2>

Our elephants live in the forests of the Chiang Mai mountains. Between 2003 and 2014, reaching the elephants was an adventure in itself. After a 30-minute off-road drive followed by a 20-minute hike, one arrived at a picturesque gem - our old camp. A natural swimming pool, vast forest areas for feeding, and the absence of any civilization invited both humans and animals to dream.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2004<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Children painting for us<\/h2>

The local school in Hoi Pong is collecting donations for the construction of an access road and a parking lot for the school buses that transport the children to and from school daily. We've also contributed with a donation.<\/p>\n

As a token of gratitude, the students from grades 6 and 7 painted our old property wall with fantastic elephant pictures.<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2004<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Lifting elephants with Sri Chinmoy<\/h2>

Among many highlights, the visit of Guru Sri Chinmoy stands out. During a spiritual tour for world peace, he visited our elephants. Additionally, a lifting mechanism was built for the wise man, with which he managed to lift the young elephant bull. Breathtaking.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2007<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Didi - a friend that is forever remembered<\/h2>

Didi was, alongside Bodo, the key contact for our guests for many years. Whether during the unique elephant treks, where we brought the elephants to their home villages, or during numerous cultural excursions, Didi always had a witty comment. He remains in all of our hearts.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/div>2009<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
[<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

Tong Bai - A tragedy and its consequences<\/h2>
We purchased the elephant Tong Bai as a breeding bull and had high hopes. Unfortunately, he lost his life in a storm in March 2010. In his honor, the TONG BAI ELEPHANT e.V. association was established. This non-profit project supports the construction of a hospital and the local animals.<\/span>\n