The centre is one of very few of its kind and is located in Thailandâs northwest and is dedicated to treating and rehabilitating sick elephants. Hug Elephant Sanctuary was founded by a small group of local people to improve the quality of life for the elephants they have rescued from all over Thailand, and the people of the local community. Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai. The sanctuary offers full or half-day excursions at the elephant refuge and wildlife rescue centre to see hundreds of animals living happily in a natural environment. The Problem With Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand. Inspired and supported by the world-renowned Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to watch happy and well-treated elephants in their natural habitats. Here are a few elephant sanctuaries in Thailand who properly watch and care for their animals. You can meet the elephants, feed them and observe them. Lek began to help elephants at the beginning with their hard-earned wages. Boon Lottâs Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a small, intimate affair in Sukhothai. It is a necessary evil, I guess. Read more about visiting the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital here. Elephants World is an Elephant Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, a province near the Thai-Myanmar border. Put simply, elephants are cool as shit. I did too, her name was Lisa. There has been plenty of discussion about 7 star hotel recently. Thailandâs Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries. Having won various awards for their efforts in sustainability and animal welfare, Elephant Hills is an ideal choice when looking for ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Krabi Elephant Sanctuary offers a new home for overtired elephants who have ever worked from logging and tourism industry. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is run by a former elephant camp owner from the local area, Montri Todtane, and a world-renowned elephant rescuer Lek Chailert, who is also a conservationist and founder of the Save Elephant Foundation. The volunteer programs at BEES run from Monday to Sunday. ElephantsWorld is a place where humans work for elephants, not elephants for humans. About: Samui Elephant Sanctuary is one of two ethical elephant sanctuaries on the island of Koh Samui (the other is Samui Elephant Haven) and they are both located in the North East of Koh Samui near to Mae Nam and are both associated with Save Elephant Foundation. This is an elephant breeding farm which offers riding experiences. They put all of their profits into conservation, allowing the elephants to live in a natural environment which helps them ‘rediscover they true identity’. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project based in Thailand. 5 Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit in Thailand (instead of a Zoo!) The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary has numerous locations throughout the country. Here are some articles that I have written that you may enjoy: Your email address will not be published. A one-week minimum volunteering stint is required, giving you plenty of time to get to know the culture of the mahouts and this valuable work. Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, or any other country in the world, are the only kind of elephant attraction that you should visit on your travels. This elephant sanctuary rescues those who were abused and offers them a slow, quiet retirement. They offer a meet, greet and feeding experience with no bathing or riding etc. Before we get into ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and responsible tourism I think it is important to understand the importance of elephants in Thai history and culture. The tranquil sanctuary is located in the north of Thailand, near Sukhothai Airport the popularity means places book up quickly so reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.. The Elephant Nature Park acts as a âretirement homeâ for rescued elephants. Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, a Thai woman, is its founder. Elephant Nature Park is one of the best-known elephant conservation projects in Thailand. As with many similar parks, the Elephant Nature Park hope to educate their guests. Next on the list of sanctuaries in Thailand is The Elephant Nature Park which... 3. As the first ethical elephant tourism experience in Phuket, we rescue sick, injured and old elephants, welcoming them back into their indigenous habit. You can feed the elephants, walk with them and observe as they play, bathe and socialise! The first country that comes to my mind in this region is Thailand. Unfortunately, these elephants cannot go back to their lives in the wild. We have been involved in dozens of rescues which have created our thriving elephant herd. Sign up today. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. Its mobile vet clinic treats sick, weak and injured elephants all over the country. Whether swimming with dolphins is a life-long ambition, a bucket-list item or you are doing it for the health benefits it is important that you thoroughly research where do undertake this... What are 7 star hotels? Coming from the logging industry as well as the more unethical side of elephant tourism, there has been plenty of work for the staff here to do over the years. Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand and take this great opportunity to support an elephant sanctuary that takes care of elephants that have been rescued from the tourism industry. Fortunately, there has been a significant reduction in the maltreatment of elephants in Thailand, although there is still work to be done. 8 Top Wildlife Sanctuaries In Thailand 1. Elephant Hills is a luxury tented jungle camp offering natural encounters with elephants but no riding or performances. The vast majority of elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, and elsewhere, focus on taking care of rescued animals. Founded by animal-loving Brit Katherine Cooper who left a successful career in the UK, the sanctuary also features a cat and dog home on the grounds. The Phuket Elephant sanctuary is leading the way when it comes to the ethical treatment of retired/rescued elephants. With large areas of land for the animals, the refuge was the first chain-free sanctuary for elephants meaning they have plenty of freedom here. A growing community of influencers and tourists in the West are calling for an end to elephant tourism. Elephant Sanctuary Thailand. The package generally includes accommodation at a well-maintained cottage including meals and non-alcoholic drinks. Are the biggest zoos in the world also the best zoos in the world? An Unforgettable Experience with Elephants. The sanctuary also plant trees in the surrounding area. Next on the list of sanctuaries in Thailand is The Elephant Nature Park which... 3. Thailand is famous for its elephants, they are a symbol of this beautiful country. Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai. Visitors can watch the elephants foraging, bathing and socialising. You can visit them for the day, stay overnight or volunteer for a week. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary works tirelessly to promote respect for the Asian elephant, ethical treatment of elephants and awareness about issues related to irresponsible tourism practices. This was the world’s first elephant hospital. Seeking an authentic elephant experience? Many of the unethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand are located in Chiang Mai, including the Patara Elephant Farm. 6 Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand for the Conscious Traveler. The refuge started with three elephants and now has 25 animals rescued from logging camps, trekking camps and city begging, operating under the heartfelt ethos: âWe should work for the elephants, and the elephants not for usâ. Three common titles that you will see are: However, it is not about the title, it is about the work that they do. One of the first ethical sanctuaries on Koh Samui, it provides a safe haven for elephants who have previously been overworked or mistreated in the logging and tourist trekking camps. You can volunteer with them for a week (or longer) if this is something that appeals to you. 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing +66 53 272 855. This elephant sanctuary rescues those who were abused and offers them a ⦠Choose ethical travel companies that work with protected national parks and reserves to allow visitors to view wildlife responsibly without harming animals or their habitats. Elephant welfare is, of course, the top priority at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary. Located in the Chiang Mai province of northern Thailand and established in the 1990s, they are a true sanctuary for elephants as well as other animals. For the lucky few, there is the promise of a happier life. Elephant Nature Park â A wonderful elephant sanctuary in Thailand that runs a variety of different projects in the Chiang Mai area. The best places to swim with dolphins in the world. Pattaya. SPONSOR. This is important for it ensures that more people are able to understand the importance of their work, and why it is necessary. Book now your experience in Phuket! Here are a few elephant sanctuaries in Thailand who properly watch and care for their animals. The final part of their mission statement makes it clear that they don’t engage with pressure groups who’s work is in direct contrast to the welfare of the animals at the park. The Royal Elephant Kraal and village is home to nearly 80 elephants. Volunteer activities include preparing food for the elephants and cleaning their areas. The babies here are bred to be kept in captivity, and domesticated â another place where phajaan is common. In this article I will explain to you what a ‘sanctuary’ is, before telling you which ones have the best reputations and the best reviews; making them the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary Source. Situated in the Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills is home to many elephants who have been rescued from a life of captivity who are now free to roam the vast jungle area chain-free. Set... 2. One of the first ethical sanctuaries on Koh Samui, rescued elephants roam 10 acres of forest at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Starting Planning Your Thailand Tour! With the growth in ethical tourism and an increased awareness of animal cruelty, many people nowadays are looking to sanctuaries for their elephant experiences. Whether you want to explore dense jungles or dive deep into pristine waters to see a kaleidoscope of marine life, there are plenty of thrilling, meaningful ways to engage in local conservation and Thailand's rich culture, 8 easy ways to become a more eco-friendly traveller in Thailand, Since the coronavirus lockdown, Thailandâs cities, wild havens and islands have had a chance to recover, so it is vital to preserve this bounce back by practising responsible tourism. Formerly known as Sai Yoke Elephant Camp, the newly-named Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi is one of the most exciting elephant projects in Thailand. Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand where you can volunteer and visit to help. Bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a new home for overtired elephants who have suffered from working long hours in the logging and tourism industry. Burm and Emilyâs Elephant Sanctuary is a sanctuary thatâs dedicated to improving the living conditions for elephants that were captive and made to work in the logging or tourism industries. Because of COVID-19, they could not survive the loss of income. 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing +66 53 272 855. It does not promote elephant riding or performances, and is considered a pioneer in the treatment of captive elephants. More than 75 elephants roam free here and each has a heart-breaking story: many have been saved from torturous camps that exploit elephants for tourism or logging purposes or other abusive situations. Join an elephant sanctuary tour in Thailand elephant nature park. Set against the picturesque jungle bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a herd of elephants, between the ages of 36 to 70, romp freely across lush pastures. The Mahouts Elephant Foundation is working towards establishing a shift in attitude within tourism that facilitates the return of captive, working elephants to a protected forest habitat. The people who own these organisations are simply looking for their next sale. Nearly 200 mahouts and elephants live in the centre; the mahouts are given employment and the elephants are free from chains to roam on forested land. No riding, no inhuman treatment. Unfortunately, many tourists are still unaware that elephant riding is connected to brutal training and handling. Now, the elephants here have freedom to roam and socialise, without hooks or being put on show â a giant leap for elephants in Thailand. If it is a known organisation then something will usually come up in your research if they should be avoided. Although there are a plethora of elephant sanctuaries throughout Thailand to choose from, many unfortunately mislead tourists with this label, and in actuality, are only in it for the âinsta-fameâ. These ethical elephant sanctuaries allow elephants live in natural habitats. I cannot blame you if you rode an elephant when you were you were younger. Elephant Nature Park is one of the best-known elephant conservation projects in Thailand. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a rescue and sanctuary located in Sukhothai, Thailand that is devoted to creating a safe home for Thai elephants. Autorized TAT Licence 21/00488. With just three guesthouses, visitor numbers are kept intentionally low to ensure the wellbeing and quality of life for the small herd of rescued elephants who live here. About: Samui Elephant Sanctuary is one of two ethical elephant sanctuaries on the island of Koh Samui (the other is Samui Elephant Haven) and they are both located in the North East of Koh Samui near to Mae Nam and are both associated with Save Elephant Foundation. Classic Thailand 7 Days; Jungles And Tribes â Northern Thailand 7 Days; Amazing Highlights Of Cambodia & Thailand 14 Days; Now, I believe you can eagerly choose your most suited one from our list of top elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, be it in Chiang Mai, Krabi or Phuket. Set on the edge of a rainforest near Chiang Mai, in Thailandâs north, the sanctuary was founded by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert in 1995. Elephant Valley â Another great elephant sanctuary in Thailand located near Chiang Rai. An elephant playing in the sand (Shutterstock). Does a 7 star hotel actually exist? The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under our care. Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. The sanctuary also offer support, jobs and funding to the local community as well as providing as much education as possible. How to tell if an elephant sanctuary is ‘real’, The best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, #3 Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital, Lampang, #6 WFFT Thai Elephant Refuge, near Hua Hin, #7 Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES), Sukhothai, The best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand: Know before you go, Read more about visiting the Elephant Nature park here, Read more about visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary here, Why you should NOT visit the famous long neck tribe in Thailand, Sustainable tourism explained: What, why and where, Ethical tourism: Everything you need to know, Sex tourism in Thailand: What where and why, The shocking truth about elephant riding in Thailand - Tourism Teacher, The best universities for travel and tourism in the UK.