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Responsible Thailand Awards 2024
Runner up, Responsible Animal Welfare
About Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
At Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary, we ensure our elephants live with respect and dignity, free from entertainment-based activities. Our mahouts, who share a profound connection with these elephants, are champions of their welfare, and we are committed to supporting their rights. We aim to educate the public on ethical choices, helping them avoid unknowingly contributing to animal mistreatment.
Our sanctuary offers ethical, hands-off experiences where visitors can observe elephants in their natural environment, with no direct contact. Partnering with the local community, we also provide cultural activities like bamboo rafting and guided community tours, allowing visitors to engage with local traditions and support sustainable tourism.
Our Experiences
Meet Our Elephants
Boon-Song
Boon-Song spent decades in logging and tourism, which left her frail. Now, she roams freely, receiving special nourishment to maintain her health and enjoying the sanctuary’s serene environment.
Som-Boon
Somboon is one of the eldest residents, having endured years of hard work as a trekking elephant. Despite weakened joints and no tusks, she enjoys peaceful forest walks, embracing her well-deserved rest.
Chom-Pu
Chompu, once overworked in trekking camps, now explores the forest and splashes in the river. Her resilient spirit shines despite her past hardships and physical strain.
Som-Paan
Som-Paan has scars and trembles from years of logging and labor. Rescued from abuse, she now receives care and enjoys the tranquility of the sanctuary, free from exploitation.
Darlie
Darlie performed circus tricks in her youth, causing joint pain. Though wary at first, she’s found joy in her new home, forming bonds with other elephants.
Siri-Phorn
Siri-Phorn, a former logging and riding elephant, bears scars from her past but is now safe. Though cautious, she’s adjusting to her peaceful new life, showcasing her strength.
What We Offer
Ethical Elephant Tourism
Located in the serene surroundings of Khaolak, just north of Phuket, our sanctuary is a hands-off facility, dedicated to boosting ethical wildlife tourism. We rescue and rehabilitate elephants who have endured a life of stress and exploitation, offering them the retirement they deserve.
Meet Our Family
We currently care for six beautiful female elephants: Somboon (50 years), Darlie (45 years), Chompu (33 years), Boonsong (65 years), Som-Paan (33 years) and Siri-Phorn (32 years). As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to provide a home for even more elephants in need.
Community Collaboration and Education
We work closely with the local community, ensuring that our efforts support the region while providing our visitors with the unique experience of observing elephants in their natural habitat. Our interactive elephant museum is a place for young and old to learn about the importance of ethical wildlife tourism.
