Runner up, Responsible Animal Welfare
Responsible Thailand Awards 2024
At Khaolak 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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, 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.
EXCELLENT Based on 1024 reviews Tom Duncan2024-10-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an absolute blast with our tour guide "Jungle Boy" who introduced us to the elephants in their care. The elephants looked happy, relaxed and were certainly well fed! We had the pleasure of being able to feed them sugar cane and rice balls that we made which they seemed to enjoy each morning. I would highly recommend this sanctuary as they are the most ethical place in the area who look after the elephants and do not force them to do anything they don't want to. Tom Duncan2024-10-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an absolute blast with our tour guide "Jungle Boy" and the Elephants in their care. I would absolutely recommend that you help the sanctuary by visiting as they are the most ethical place in the area. It was so lovely to see the elephants happy, well fed and relaxed. Tui CheWit2024-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. เป็นปางช้างที่สนุกมาก ได้ประสบการณ์ใหม่ๆ สุดยอดมากครับ Felix Jenni2024-10-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ganz tolle und herzige Anlage mit sechs Elefanten, die alle aus tierunfreundlichen Einrichtungen gerettet wurden. Die Elefanten machen einen sehr zufriedenen Eindruck. Die Angestellten sind alle äusserst freundlich und zuvorkommend. Es ist sehr eindrücklich, dass die Angestellten die Elefanten nur mit Worten lenken. Sie brauchen KEINE Peitsche oder Ähnliches. Wir konnten die Elefanten füttern, beim Baden zuschauen und mit ihnen spazieren. Die Tiere trotteten völlig ruhig im Regenwald umher. Ein sehr tolles Erlebnis. Corentin Lumineau2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Une incroyable expérience, un moment magique avec les éléphants de ce sanctuaire. Tony notre guide était top, accueillant, souriant tout au long de l’expérience. Je vous recommande cet endroit à 100%, loin des foules de touristes, vous passerez un moment unique ! Pierre Horna2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience! We came with our 3 kids and all of them loved it! The elephants are well taken care of and it is possible to see them from very close. We can only recommend a visit! Robin Schlegel2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wir hatten einen wirklich tollen Ausflug. Jungleboy hat uns begleitet, war sehr informativ und unterhaltsam. Die Elefanten werden, soweit wir das einschätzen können, gerecht gehalten und gut behandelt.
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.
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.
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.