At present, there is no legislation or even government guidelines to state what is or what isn't the ethical treatment of elephants. Elephants were largely used for manual haulage in the logging industry, up until the late 1980's that is. Since government-imposed restrictions on logging there have been numerous sanctuaries arisen out of the ashes of the by gone logging.
Some of the sanctuaries are nothing more than a poorly managed zoo, with shows put on for entertainment and attraction rides. The life of the elephant has improved little in those cases. In a perfect world, elephants would be free to roam as they please ― and some do but not all and not many. Our guide therefore will highlight 5 of the best sanctuaries that are clearly there for the care of their elephants.
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Created and funded by world renowned naturist Lek Chailert, her park is managed by people who genuinely care for the elephant. They each have a great amount of empathy for these creatures, which you feel the moment you step into the sanctuary. They have in place programs to rehabilitate and heal neglected and abused elephants ― with no rides. Rather they prefer a system of educating their visitors which we found to be really enlightening.
Our number one favorite because they're making a case in point that it is possible to make a success out of the ethical treatment of wild animals. Lek has campaigned for many years for the abolishment of elephants held in captivity or used for manual labor. Because of her work and love for nature, many elephants have been saved from a life of cruelty and enslavement.
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend you book well in advance of your holiday. This is Thailand's most popular elephant sanctuary, and you will find yourself having problems booking at short notice.
This ethical park offers the tourist a more "hands on" experience with their elephants. The sanctuary is a haven for elephants rescued from the tourist and entertainment trade ― circuses in other words. Now with 40 elephants of mixed sex and ages the park is successful in ensuring the animals are enjoying life.
When you visit you can get really close to the elephants and help with feeding, bathing and grooming an elephant. It is an experience in itself to be so close to these gentle giants, and some of them are giants relative to our size, we're tiny. You can learn a lot about Thailand and the historic use of elephants, and they're always interested in volunteers.
A part of the thick jungle has been cordoned off providing much valued acreage for the elephants to roam freely. A great importance for the elephants is the capability to socialize and they can do that in this park. Few boundaries and fenced off areas. The park also has campsites for tourists who wish to stay overnight and get closer to nature and the elephants.
And as there are numerous advantageous viewing points from where the elephants can be seen from, we do recommend you stay. The luxury tents provide reasonably adequate amenities for families. In fact, it's a very friendly and entertaining park for children with daily activities organized, such as:
You can have an enjoyable, and very pleasurable stay on the Island of Koh Lanta for the unbelievable, and stunningly gorgeous Khao Sok National Park. Read our guide (link below) before planning a winter escape to Thailand:
A large part of the problem in Thailand is that the mahouts: an elephant keeper, have little or no employment opportunities. This leads many of them into a life of unethical tourism as a means of income. The Surin Project is working to give those elephant keepers and their elephants a greater purpose.
With over 200 mahouts in the center. The keepers have employment whilst the elephants are free of their chains permitted to roam in the forest jungle.
A unique enterprise and experience. It's one of very few elephant hospitals in the world, with the aim of treating and healing, rehabilitating as many sick and injured elephants as possible. The clinic sends trained vets all over Thailand visiting elephants in need of help.
By visiting the center, you gain a greater insight into what is involved in treating a sick elephant. The treatment carried out on the elephants is very different to what you've experienced back home with a domesticated animal. The hospital accepts donations only, please give generously.
Ethical elephant sanctuaries are places that have stopped the use of saddles, chains and ropes to control and manipulate the animal. Rides too, are forbidden in the parks. To give elephants the life they deserve its sanctuaries such as those above, and elsewhere:
Those are providing the most ethical treatment to their elephants. The mentioned parks provide world leading experiences for tourists, getting the most from the surrounding environment and wildlife with minimal to zero impact on the animals.
Many of the sanctuaries have taken a leaf out of Lek Chailert's book and followed suit in the creation and promotion of elephant ecology. Lek has been the game changer that has saved many an elephant from a life of pain. And you will only truly understand why she pushed so hard for change, when you are up very close to a baby elephant. Cute yes, but memorably, it's a very personal and lifelong attachment.
Much of the cruelty that took place is coming to an end. The elephants are no longer used as a workhorse by unscrupulous people driven by profit. Sure, there remain unethical sanctuaries. They train elephants for circus acts and offer elephant rides, but more people refuse to tolerate, making those parks unviable.
Our feelings are you should visit a sanctuary and enjoy yourself. Experience these magnificent animals up close. You will leave with a greater appreciation and love ― respect too ― for elephants. Your visit helps fund the park for them to continue their work and save more elephants from abuse and neglect.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.