Welcome to the wonderful world of ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand! If you’re an animal lover like us, then you know there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing elephants in their natural habitat, thriving and happy. But unfortunately, not all sanctuaries treat their elephants with the respect and care they deserve.That’s where ethical sanctuaries come in! These special places focus on giving elephants a safe and comfortable home where they can live out their lives without being exploited for human entertainment. Instead of forcing them to carry tourists or perform tricks, they allow these majestic creatures to roam, play, and interact with their herd mates as they would in the wild. So if you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, we highly recommend visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary.
Not only will you get to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment, but you’ll also be supporting a cause that prioritizes the wellbeing of these incredible creatures. It’s a win-win!
An ethical elephant sanctuary requires several key things to ensure the well-being and safety of the elephants in Thailand.
These include:
☑ No riding or forced interaction with tourists
☑ No use of hooks, chains, or other harmful tools
☑ Access to a natural habitat and space to roam
☑ Proper nutrition and healthcare
☑ Respect for the elephants’ natural behavior and social structure
☑ Ethical treatment of mahouts (elephant caretakers) and staff
☑ Transparency in their practices and commitment to elephant welfare.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a special place where elephants can live out their lives in peace and comfort. This sanctuary is located in the lush jungles of Phuket, Thailand and covers 30 acres of natural terrain where the elephants are free to roam and play.The sanctuary is home to a group of 12 elephants who were previously used for logging or in the tourism industry. However, they have now been rescued and rehabilitated by the sanctuary staff who work tirelessly to provide them with the best care possible. Visitors to the sanctuary can watch these gentle giants as they go about their daily activities such as foraging, bathing, and socializing with each other.
One of the unique features of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is that visitors are not allowed to ride the elephants or engage in any activities that would cause harm to them. Instead, the focus is on observing these incredible creatures in their natural environment and learning about their behavior and history. Visitors can also interact with the elephants by feeding them.
The sanctuary also has an informative and educational center where visitors can learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect elephants and their natural habitats. The sanctuary has a strict no-riding policy, which helps to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible tourism.
LOCATION: Koh Lanta
OPENING HOURS: 10 AM – 5 PM
CONTACT: https://www.followinggiants.net/
Giant Elephant Sanctuary is a sanctuary for elephants, located in a lush and verdant region in the heart of a dense forest. The sanctuary is home to a number of Asian elephants, which are protected and cared for in a natural and nurturing environment.The sanctuary covers a large area, with several acres of forest and meadows for the elephants to roam and play. The entire area is surrounded by a fence, which protects the elephants from predators and human interference.
The sanctuary is run by a team of dedicated and passionate professionals, who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being and safety of the elephants. They provide the elephants with regular health checkups and medical care, as well as ample food and water.The elephants in the sanctuary are free to live and play as they please, without the threat of harm or mistreatment. They are also given opportunities to interact with other elephants, socialize, and engage in natural behaviors.
Visitors to the sanctuary can observe the elephants from a safe distance, without disturbing their natural habitat. The sanctuary offers guided tours, during which visitors can learn about the history and behavior of the elephants, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect the species.
The sanctuary also serves as a research center for the study of elephants and their behavior, with a team of scientists and researchers conducting ongoing studies and experiments to better understand these majestic creatures.
LOCATION: Prachuap Khiri Khan
OPENING HOURS: 2PM – 6 PM
CONTACT: https://www.thainationalparks.com/kui-buri-national-park
Kui Buri National Park is a protected area located in southwestern Thailand, covering an area of 969 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including several hundred wild elephants that roam freely within the park’s boundaries. As a result, Kui Buri National Park is a popular destination for elephant watching and wildlife tourism.
Visitors to Kui Buri National Park can enjoy guided tours and safaris, during which they can observe the park’s wild elephant population in their natural habitat. The tours are typically conducted by experienced guides who have a deep knowledge of the park’s ecology and wildlife, and who can provide visitors with fascinating insights into the behavior and characteristics of the elephants.
The elephant watching tours in Kui Buri National Park typically take place in the early morning or late afternoon, when the elephants are most active. Visitors can observe the elephants as they move through the forest, forage for food, and interact with one another. The park is home to several elephant families, each with its own distinct personalities and behaviors.
The tours are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner, with a focus on minimizing any disturbance to the elephants and their natural habitat. Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance from the elephants and avoiding any loud noises or sudden movements that could startle or agitate the animals.
LOCATION: Kanchanaburi
OPENING HOURS: 10 AM – 4 PM
CONTACT: https://www.somboonlegacy.org/
The Somboon Legacy Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Thailand that is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Thai culture and the arts. The foundation was established in 2014 by Dr. Somboon Sompiangjai, a renowned musician and cultural historian, and his family.The foundation’s mission is to foster an appreciation for Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and to support the development of traditional Thai music and arts. To this end, the foundation has established several initiatives and programs that are designed to promote and preserve traditional Thai culture.
One of the foundation’s flagship programs is the Somboon School of Traditional Thai Music, which provides music education and training to young people in Thailand. The school offers courses in a variety of traditional Thai instruments, including the khim, ranat, and saw duang, as well as courses in traditional Thai dance and other performing arts.
The foundation also hosts an annual music festival, the Somboon Legacy Festival, which celebrates traditional Thai music and culture. The festival features performances by some of Thailand’s top traditional musicians, as well as workshops and lectures on traditional Thai music and dance.
In addition to its educational and cultural initiatives, the Somboon Legacy Foundation is also involved in a number of community outreach programs. These programs are designed to provide support and resources to underprivileged communities in Thailand, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
LOCATION: Sukhothai
OPENING HOURS: 10 AM – 5 PM
CONTACT: https://www.blesele.org/
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, or BLES, is a non-profit organization located in northern Thailand that is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing home for elephants that have been rescued from exploitation and mistreatment. The sanctuary was founded in 2006 by Katherine Connor, an American expat who was inspired to help elephants after witnessing their mistreatment in Thailand.
BLES is set on a large, sprawling property that offers plenty of space and natural surroundings for the elephants to roam and play. The sanctuary currently cares for over a dozen elephants, each of which has its own unique personality and history. Many of the elephants at BLES were formerly used in the logging or tourism industries, and suffered from injuries, neglect, or abuse.
The sanctuary is staffed by a team of dedicated and experienced professionals, who work tirelessly to provide the elephants with high-quality care and attention. The elephants at BLES are given ample space to roam and graze, as well as regular health checkups, medical care, and a specialized diet of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
Visitors to BLES can take part in guided tours and meet the elephants up close, and learn about their histories and personalities. The sanctuary offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including opportunities to learn about elephant care and the threats facing wild elephant populations in Thailand.
Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, or BEES, is a non-profit organization located in northern Thailand that is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been abused or neglected. The sanctuary was founded in 2010 by Burm and Emily, an American couple who were inspired to help elephants after witnessing their mistreatment in Thailand.
BEES is set on a beautiful and expansive property that offers plenty of natural surroundings for the elephants to explore and enjoy. The sanctuary currently cares for several elephants, each of which has a unique history and personality. Many of the elephants at BEES were formerly used in the logging or tourism industries, and suffered from injuries, neglect, or abuse.
The sanctuary is staffed by a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, who work tirelessly to provide the elephants with high-quality care and attention. The elephants at BEES are given ample space to roam and graze, as well as regular health checkups, medical care, and a specialized diet of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
LOCATION: Chiang Mai
OPENING HOURS: 9AM – 5 PM
CONTACT: http://changchill.com/
ChangChill is an elephant sanctuary located in the northern part of Phuket, Thailand. The sanctuary provides a safe and ethical space for elephants that have been rescued from the tourism and logging industries. The name “ChangChill” is a play on words, with “chang” meaning “elephant” in Thai and “chill” referring to the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is situated on a beautiful and expansive property, surrounded by lush greenery and natural landscapes. Visitors to ChangChill can enjoy a variety of educational programs, workshops, and interactive experiences with the elephants, while learning about the importance of protecting these majestic animals and their natural habitats.
The elephants at ChangChill are given plenty of space to roam and graze, and are provided with regular health checkups, medical care, and a specialized diet of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. The sanctuary is staffed by a team of experienced professionals who work tirelessly to provide the elephants with high-quality care and attention.
Visitors to ChangChill can take part in a range of guided tours and activities, such as bathing the elephants in the nearby stream, feeding them, and learning about their unique personalities and histories. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for visitors to participate in conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices, including initiatives to protect wild elephant habitats and reduce conflicts between humans and elephants.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to make a positive impact on the world, consider visiting one of the country’s many ethical elephant sanctuaries. By doing so, you’ll be supporting the conservation and protection of these gentle giants and their natural habitats.
But if you want to know more about why elephant trekking camps, shows, and other types of elephant entertainment are harmful and why the ethical sanctuaries are so important, check out our blog dedicated to captive elephants in Thailand. Together, we can help ensure that these magnificent creatures are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
