Embark on a journey of compassion and sustainability as you step into the serene haven of Phuket’s truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuary. Nestled amidst lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature, this sanctuary stands out as a beacon of responsible tourism in the heart of Thailand.
Elephants roam freely in their natural habitat, unburdened by chains or cruel practices that mar many other tourist attractions. As you witness these majestic creatures thriving in a safe environment, you’ll not only be supporting their well-being but also contributing to the preservation of traditional Thai culture.
Step away from the typical tourist traps and immerse yourself in an experience that transcends mere observation – here at this sanctuary, visitors are encouraged to engage with elephants through meaningful interactions and educational activities. Say goodbye to exploitative practices and embrace a model that prioritizes the welfare of these intelligent beings above all else.
What Tours Can You Do at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary?
At the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, visitors can participate in a variety of tours that offer unique opportunities to interact with rescued elephants in a truly ethical manner. One popular tour is the Half Day Visit where guests can observe these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat, learn about elephant behavior and conservation efforts, and even feed them snacks.
Another engaging option is the Sunset Tour, which allows visitors to witness the elephants enjoying their evening meal as the sun sets over the lush sanctuary grounds.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Overnight Stay tour provides a chance to spend a night at the sanctuary and truly connect with these gentle giants on a deeper level. Guests have the opportunity to help prepare elephant food, join in their morning bath routine in the nearby river, and learn firsthand about the challenges facing Asian elephants in Thailand. These tours not only educate visitors about responsible elephant tourism but also contribute directly to the ongoing care and protection of these magnificent animals.
Baan Yen
Baan Yen was a very clever elephant, named after the ‘Four o’clock’ flower. After working in elephant camps for tourists for more than 20 years, Baan Yen moved in with us on December 14, 2016. On the day she arrived she was warmly welcomed by her new elephant friends Kannika, Madee and Dok Gaew.
Her previous life had caused much pain to the 50-year old Baan Yen, resulting in severe injuries in her hip and hind legs. Our veterinarian took the best possible care of her and Baan Yen enjoyed a more peaceful life at the sanctuary, she got weaker with each day and fell frequently. On March 16, 2017 she fell for the last time and left us quietly to a land where she is now free of pain and fatigue.
We had a Buddhist cremation ceremony for her, and now her body is resting quietly at the sanctuary. All of us still think about the time when Baan Yen was blooming in our sanctuary, and her memory will blossom in our hearts forever.
Jan Jao
Aside from the moon in Thai, Jan Jao is also the name of our lovely 40-year old elephant at the sanctuary. Jan Jao suffered from similar conditions as the other elephants before joining us, spending most of her life working hard in the tourism industry. As a result of being controlled and abused to work so hard, Jan Jao has wounds behind her ears and on her forehead.
Jan Jao moved in on August 30, 2017. It took her a while to adjust to the new environment, With the support and care of her mahout she learned to enjoy the natural forests, wide areas to roam around and the refreshing ponds at the sanctuary. She now enjoys living freely without orders and loves to play with the other elephants, splash in the water and to cover herself in thick mud.
At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, she found a life like she had never experienced before. We can feel her joy when we see her eyes shining bright like the moon, and we hope she will continue to love this new home of hers forever.
Gaew Ta
Known endearingly as “Darling,” Gaew Ta, in her early 60s, graced Elephant Sanctuary Phuket with her serene presence. Notably blind, Gaew Ta navigated her surroundings with grace, guided by the devoted mahout who served as her eyes and ensured her safety through their strong bond.
Gaew Ta’s journey at the sanctuary started on December 8, 2016, following her release from the demanding work of elephant riding for tourists. She endured strenuous labor in the logging industry in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province in Southern Thailand. Despite her blindness, Gaew Ta displayed remarkable resilience, tapping and touching the ground before each step to ensure safety.
On February 14, 2017, Dr. Rui Oliveira, a world-renowned vet ophthalmologist, delivered the heartbreaking news that Gaew Ta’s sight would never return due to the severity of her eye infection. Despite her challenging past, Gaew Ta found solace at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where she felt safe and cherished. Her mahout provided both physical and mental care, offering her a simple and peaceful life in nature.
Despite her blindness, Gaew Ta once snuck out at night, showcasing her adventurous spirit as she devoured several banana trees at our neighbor’s land—an unexpected and delightful escapade that added a touch of mischief to her otherwise serene life. During her last two years at Elephant Sanctuary Phuket, Gaew Ta formed a profound bond with Vanda, another gentle elephant rescued in December 2019.
Together, they found companionship and solace, enriching each other’s lives in the sanctuary’s serene setting. Gaew Ta’s legacy lives on as a testament to the transformative power of love, care, and sanctuary living, and although she is physically no longer with us she remains an integral part of our story.
Kannika
A 36-year-old cheerful, playful & energetic girl who loves to eat and is friendly to everyone who gives her food. You will always see Kannika together with her best friend Madee. They both arrived at Elephant Sanctuary Phuket on August 30, 2016, and have been inseparable ever since.
From the Surin province, Kannika spent most of her younger years having to entertain tourists in Phuket hotels. In 2007, she was sold to Mr. Montri, who previously owned a camp where Kannika was a riding elephant for tourists. Once Mr. Montri openend Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Kannika was one of the first two elephants to call it her new and final home.
She only took a few days to adjust to her new environment, surrounded by rich forests and watering holes. Our natural playground allows her to express her naughty character by playing with bamboo, splashing in the water and crying out in joy.
She surely seems like the happiest elephant at the sanctuary and has put a smile on many of our guests through her funny behaviour. Kannika embodies our vision of a happy, final home for retired elephants, and we hope that many more gentle giants will find the happiness that she found here.
What’s It Like to Visit An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Phuket?
The experience is not just about observing elephants from a distance; it’s about forging authentic connections with them through meaningful interactions. From feeding them to walking alongside them in their natural habitat, every moment spent at the sanctuary is a reminder of the importance of ethical treatment towards animals.
One of the most striking aspects of visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary Phuket is witnessing firsthand the dedication and passion of the staff towards caring for these gentle giants. Every activity is carefully curated to ensure that the elephants are happy and healthy, emphasizing their welfare above all else.
As you learn about their individual stories and personalities, you can’t help but develop a profound respect for these incredible creatures and an appreciation for the sanctuary’s commitment to conservation efforts. Stepping into this oasis of compassion and sustainability allows visitors to not only educate themselves on the plight of Asian elephants but also actively participate in initiatives aimed at protecting them for future generations.
Is It Worth It?
Visiting a truly ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand can be a life-changing experience. Being able to witness these majestic creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat, free from exploitation and abuse, is a rare opportunity that is definitely worth it. By supporting genuine sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being of the elephants over profit, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts and help ensure a sustainable future for these incredible animals.
The chance to observe elephants roaming freely and engaging in their natural behaviors is not only educational but also deeply rewarding. It allows visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for these intelligent beings and gain insight into the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats. While there may be other attractions vying for attention in Phuket, choosing to spend time at an ethical elephant sanctuary offers a unique and meaningful experience that resonates long after the visit has ended.
Conclusion
Visiting the Truly Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand, Thailand offers a unique and enriching experience that prioritizes the well-being of these majestic animals. By choosing to support such establishments, visitors can actively contribute to the conservation and welfare efforts for elephants in captivity.
The sanctuary’s dedication to providing a safe and natural environment for the elephants ensures a meaningful encounter for all who visit. If you find yourself planning a trip to Phuket, consider making a stop at this sanctuary to witness firsthand the positive impact of responsible sustainable tourism on these incredible creatures. Your visit will not only create lasting memories but also help support the continued protection and care of these magnificent animals.
FAQs
Is The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Really Ethical?
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. We put the welfare of our elephants first and do not offer bathing, rides, shows, mud bathing, trunk hugging, elephant kisses, sitting on or lying on the elephants, loud noisy groups, or people constantly crowding around the elephants.
Which Elephant Sanctuary To Visit In Phuket?
If seeing elephants is on your itinerary, please consider the team at PES since they are the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket and help this wonderful cause. Without interference from people, the elephants are free to move around, take baths, and interact with one another.
How Much Is It To See Elephants In Phuket?
Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket & Elephant Trekking. Price 699 THB – Online-Phuket.com. They are not compelled to engage with guests, and we, the guests, are merely requested to honor them and their private area. Even though you may believe the experience is pricey, it is worthwhile because you will know that the money you spend is assisting the elephants in living out the remainder of their days.