Thailand is known for its stunning beaches and rich culture; it is also home to numerous elephant sanctuaries that protect endangered elephants and other animals. Elephant sanctuaries provide a safe home for endangered elephants poached for their ivory tusks. The skilled professionals at the sanctuaries interact, teach, and protect elephants. In this article, we will explore the best sanctuaries to visit in Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park (ENP)
First on this list is the Elephant Nature Park (ENP). The ENP is a popular elephant sanctuary that provides a safe environment for elephants and grants them another chance to live freely in the wild. They are located in northern Thailand, about 60 km north of Chiang Mai City.
This park was established by a popular elephant rights advocate, Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, and is known for its safe and sustainable environment. The ENP is believed to house over 30 elephants, including newborns.
Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary
The Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is another Sanctuary committed to raising abused and injured elephants. BLES is located in Sukhothai, Thailand, and was established in 2006 to help elephants recover from trauma.
The sanctuary provides immediate health care, including physical and psychological care to the elephants. The main goals of BLES are to prevent the ultimate extinction of elephants in the world and to allow the elephants to move freely without the fear of death.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an eco-tourism initiative in Thailand that prioritizes the well-being of the elephants while educating the tourists about elephants. They offer visitors an opportunity to interact one-on-one with over 20 elephants.
In the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS), visitors are taught how to feed an elephant green leaves. Although this comes with a fee, the sanctuary also offers guided tours. The proceedings from these tours are channeled back to taking care of the elephants.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
This Elephant Sanctuary provides a home to elephants that are sick or injured. It is also the perfect retirement home for elderly elephants. This sanctuary is located near the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phuket, Thailand.
The sanctuary is responsible for catering for the medical fees and rehabilitation bills of more than 25 elephants. They also provide a safe environment for the elephants to live and grow. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is also the first elephant tourism sanctuary that National Geographic and World Animal Protection endorse.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand
The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is concerned with protecting and preserving elephants in the open. It was founded in 2001, and its mission was to prevent the exploitation of elephants as well as rescue other animals from abuse, illegal pet trade, and animal testing.
In addition to its sanctuary services, The Wildlife Friends Foundation organizes programs to draw in interested visitors. These programs include volunteering and advocacy efforts to provide extra help and raise more awareness about the protection of endangered elephants.
