The Department of Wildlife and National Parks established
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in 1989. The centre is a base for the
Elephant Relocation Team, which began the elephant translocation programme in
1974.
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, or popularly referred to as the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, is located within the bio diversified-rich and protected Krau Game
Reserve & was set up in 1989 under the DWNP (Department of Wildlife & National Parks,
Malaysia), manned by the Elephant Capture & Translocation Unit.
The Teris River acts as a natural border between the reserve and the Che' wong Orang Asli village - the last tribe of its kind found in Malaysia. The name Kuala Gandah is, itself, taken from the small stream running near the electric compound enclosure which houses the
elephants during the day from 830am to 2pm before they are transferred to the roofed holding area.
The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the team is dedicated
to locating, subduing and then translocating problem elephants from areas where
their habitats are constantly being encroached by plantations.
As well as being a
base for the translocation team and a home for a number of resident elephants,
Kuala Gandah also aims to promote public awareness of the elephant’s plight in
Malaysian and to support research into elephants translocation and conservation.
Visitors are welcome throughout the year to join the elephant activities, help
wash them in the nearby river and participate in feeding.
The centre also strives to educate the public about the
importance of habitat and environmental preservation. visitors are encouraged
to view a video on elephant translocation and special programme can be arranged
for school groups.
At present, Kuala Gandah house a number of elephant which
were brought in from Thailand, India & Myanmar. The elephants are trained
and used in translocation process of wild elephants in problem areas throughout
Peninsular Malaysia. The centre also looks after orphaned elephants to ensure
their continued survival.
Getting There:
From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway to Lanchang,
passing Karak along the way. At Lanchang, turn left into the road just before
the BP station, then follow the ample direction signage towards the Elephant
Sanctuary. You will pass by an Orang Asli settlement before reaching the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary.
The journey takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours (roughly 160km from Kuala Lumpur).
Opening Hours:
The centre is open from 8.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily but
activities mostly begin from 2.00 p.m. onwards. Entrance is free. Please be
reminded that despite some advise from certain quarters (websites
notwithstanding) that the centre needs donations from visitors, this is not
necessary as the centre has ample financial allocations for its upkeep. The
centre can get busy during the weekends, so it it would be better for you to
visit it on weekdays.
Note: Please come early because if the quota for elephant
ride is full (120 persons per day), you may be issued with a red pass instead
of the coveted yellow pass, which only allows for viewing, hence, no elephant
rides.
Facilities:
A visitor information centre provides information and video
presentation on the centre's elephant conservation efforts. Visitors can
participate in daily activities, like feeding and grooming the elephants and
helping with the bathing of each animal in the nearby stream. There is no
accommodation at the centre but you may want to stay overnight at Temerloh or
Mentakab.
Activities:
In the morning, visitors can view the exhibition and a video
presentation on elephant translocation before proceeding to watch the elephants
in their enclosure. Elephant feeding, rides and bathing start after 2 p.m.
There is a small warung (cafe) run by a
local where you can get drinks and local food. Public toilets and showers for
those who want to have a wash after bathing in the river with the elephants.
Contact:
Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre,
Jabatan Perhilitan
Kuala Gandah
28500 Lanchang
Pahang Darul Makmur,
Malaysia.
Tel : 09-279 0391
Email: necc@wildlife.gov.my
Office hours:
Monday – Sunday:
8.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Friday:
8.00 a.m. - 12.30
p.m.
2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Food to feed the elephants is provided so there is no need
to bring any of your own.
For more info and donation for elephants , kindly visit the website: http://www.myelephants.org/