Ethical elephant sanctuary developed in collaboration with World Animal Protection. Observation only experience, no riding, bathing or feeding. Offers half and full day tours with pick up and drop off in Chiang Mai. Lunch is vegetarian and the majority is vegan. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
45/2 Moo19, Baan Pratumuang, Maewin, Maewang, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50360
-
Loading...
-
- Reservations required
- Accepts credit cards
-
-
Last update on 23 Jan 2023 by Guest
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business -
Added by Here.To.Travel_Jade on 23 Jan 2023
-
-
2 Reviews
First Review by Here.To.Travel_Jade
Jessie_H
Points +211
A legitimately ethical elephant sanctuary - Edit
This sanctuary was 100% legit. After doing a lot of research into ethical elephant sanctuaries, this was the best. You have no contact with the elephants (including no bathing or feeding, which is what some other "ethical" sanctuaries offer).
Read moreOur group of 7 people were guided into the sanctuary grounds and we sought out the elephants to observe them - they aren't ushered in to see tourists. Each elephant has their mahout (Aka "keeper") whom looks after them, and is with them when the tourists are in the grounds; this was for safety reasons (for both the tourists and the elephants). The elephants are encouraged to forage for their own food (and we saw this happen), but they are also fed bamboo at different times, sugarcane as a snack and vegan vitamin balls (which you help prepare for them). The elephants know when sugarcane snack time is, so they make their own way down to the river and you can observe them bathe themselves and eat their snacks.
All elephants appeared well taken care of. One elephant had a mouth issue, and our guide advised that they brought in a vetenarian to inspect it. The vet recommended daily washing of the wound and treatment applied. We saw the mahout provide this treatment.
Our guide was fantastic, explaining the actions that are taken to provide for and respect the elephants (in line with World Animal Protection rules). He also explained why tours that involve riding, bathing, feeding etc. were stressful for elephants and why they don't do it here. He also talked about not supporting other animal exploitative events/sanctuaries, including monkeys in the circus, tiger petting zoos, etc.
The lunch was mostly vegan (rice, pad thai, potato curry, steamed mix veggies, watermelon), with the only non-vegan option being an egg omelette.
Overall, this was definitely the best and most ethical elephant sanctuary option. They don't have any brochures, but all of their information is online and you can book with them directly.
Guest
Here.To.Travel_Jade
Points +9705
Ethical elephant sanctuary - Edit
This elephant camp in collaboration with World Animal Protection have developed a more ethical elephant tourism model. They are strictly an observation only elephant camp with no direct contact. We went on a one day visit and got to see the elephants being elephants- foraging for food, bathing in the river and mud and wandering about. There are observation platforms that overlook the river and feeding stations. We got to help prepare additional food- sugar cane and also some balls with medicinal herbs etc to support with additional nutrition- they went down better with some elephants than others. There were four elephants here when we visited. They come with their mahouts who own them. They follow them around to ensure they are safe and don’t wander off the land and cause any problems with neighbouring farms etc. It was a wonderful day and we’re glad we visited
Read moreGuest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 869 times.