Elephant lovers, I hear you.
More recently, there is an increased awareness of the ethical controversy around humans interacting with elephants, especially in Thailand where the industry thrives. I know for most of us it’s an ultimate bucket list experience but sadly, there is now an overwhelming amount of evidence to support claims by animal welfare experts that elephant tourism is harmful for Asia’s gorgeous giants.
The upsetting reality is that Thailand’s government is yet to implement laws which protect its captive elephant population and therefore it is up to us, as tourists, to protect them ourselves.
Riding elephants
Elephants that are captive or captive born in Asia are typically subject to systematic abuse to be ‘trained’ in allowing riders to climb into their back and perform tricks. If you didn't know already, it may be a surprise to learn that elephants do not have very strong backs. Experts suggest that adult males can only support around 150kg for 4 hours per day, that being known why are elephants carrying two people at a time and working 8 hour days?
Whats Next?
Armed with supporting evidence, it would be very easy to say that elephant tourism across Asia is wrong. However, the ethical solution is far more complex. If the industry was to completely collapse then the 4000+ elephants that are in captivity who rely on humans to maintain their health would ultimately starve. Leaving only 1000 native wild elephants to rebuild the population in Thailand. It would be irresponsible of us to allow this to happen.
Fortunately, due to global increased awareness over standards of ethical practice, there is a growing number of elephant refuge centres popping up around Thailand who are employing more sustainable methods for tourists to interact with elephants.
Where can I sustainably interact with elephants in Thailand?
So you’re planning a trip to Thailand but you’re confused which places are ethical? Look no further, I have compiled a list of the BEST places to interact with Thailands beautiful gentle giants without compromising on animal welfare practices and absolutely NOT supporting elephant riding.
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park is located about 60kms north from the city of Chiang Mai and is one of the most respected and famous elephant conservation projects in the country and has won dozens of awards for its commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating Thailand's working elephants since the ’90s. More than 35 elephants call this place home and are allowed to roam free in the park. You can spend a wonderful and informative day out here, including walking them down to the river for an afternoon bath. There's also an option to spend longer through their volunteer placements.
One day tour (including transfers and lunch): 2500/1250THB (adult/child). Overnight tour (including dinner): 5800/2900B.
Elephant Nature Park, 209/2 Sridom Chai Road, Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai
Friends of Asia Elephant Hospital
For a slightly different but truly unique elephant experience, visit the worlds first Elephant Hospital; Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Hospital. Here, they dedicate efforts to the treatment and rehabilitation of sick elephants. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how professionals treat sick elephants and tour the amazing equipment they use to return the elephants to good health.
Uniquely visitors are unable to get too close to the elephants in an effort to protect the vulnerable animals during illness. Like a people hospital be quiet, only visit and interact with patients when authorised, and remember that this is a place for healing and rest for the elephants.
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a popular day trip option and has numerous locations throughout Thailand with the main brand located in Chiang Mai. The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary works tirelessly to promote respect for the Asian elephant, supports ethical practice and awareness about issues related to irresponsible tourism. Over 30 elephants are cared for at the sanctuary who have been rescued from abuse by humans. During your visit, you’ll notice the elephants are able to roam freely in the jungle but are keen to interact with you and devour some bananas so they will come to say hello when you arrive by their own wish. During the day you will be educated about the lives of the elephants, thier history, their names and also have the opportunity to bath with them. Although the area is set up for tourist visits you will soon tell that the elephants are happy and in no way are they forced to hang out with you.
Phang Nga Elephant Park
Phang Nga Elephant Park dedicates its time to elephant conservation and education for visitors. This is a small family run park, where the family has cared for elephants for over 150 years, with each generation learning something new about the Asian elephant and their welfare. The Park is like a typical small, rural Thai village, where thirty people live and work together with their elephants and families.
Visitors to the park are able to have a life-enhancing experience with these magnificent animals and learn about them in a natural and relaxed environment. You can choose between a half day (4,900THB per Adult (rate based on a minimum of 2 people)) or a full day which includes a fun Thai cooking classes too! With both programs, you will be paired up with an elephant for the whole experience, allowing you to form a bond with your elephant and gain a great insight into her life and behaviour.
Phang Nga Elephant Park, 49/1 Moo 3, Thung Kha Ngok, Phang-nga, Thailand
Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary located outside the village of Baan Tuek, in Sukhothai is a small sanctuary for rescued elephants allowing them to interact freely within 750+ acres of forested land. There are no performances — just elephants.
It was founded by Briton Katherine Connor after a baby elephant called Boon Lott (‘survivor’ in Thai) inspired her to dedicate her life to nurturing rescued and retired elephants. The Parks efforts has since been recognised by the International Fund for Animal Welfare for a world-renowned approach to ethical elephant tourism. Guests to the Sanctuary are involved in all aspects of sanctuary life, from collecting elephant food from the jungle to maintaining herding areas, walking elephants to grazing grounds and observing them relearn their natural instincts in an environment that promotes their welfare.
Due to its remote location BLES does not run single-day tours, most visitors stay for several days on individually-tailored itineraries. Overnight visit (including transfers and all meals): 5000THB.
BLES intentionally keep the guest numbers low to benefit the elephants as well as visitors so early reservation is recommended.
Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, 304 Mu 5, Baan Na Ton Jan, Tambon Baan Tuek, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai, Thailand
What to wear and bring when visiting elephants centres
Lightweight clothing (with long sleeves/trousers for overnight visits) Some places will offer you a traditional woven T-shirt to wear over your clothes.
Swimwear
Towel
A change of clothes (if bathing with elephants)
Sunhat
Sunscreen
DEET-free insect repellent
Sturdy shoes.
Note: Volunteers should expect basic facilities.
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