Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first and only ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket where elephants roam around, bathe and sozialize freely across 30 acres of lush, tropical land bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in North East Phuket. We buy all rescued elephants to ensure that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is their final home, and we offer professional veterinary care for old and injured elephants. By visiting us, you are supporting a sustainable, ethical and compassionate approach to elephant tourism where elephants have the freedom to live naturally. National Geographic, Lonely Planet and The Guardian have all endorsed our ethical approach.
Posted By : sierramS8932RW
We were looking for an ethical elephant experience and we found one! The elephants are free-range on 30 acres of land, each one has its own caretaker that follows it around 24/7 to make sure it is happy, healthy, and fed, and the guides make sure to inform the tourists about elephant safety and welfare and enforce the sanctuary’s rules so that the humans and elephants are safe and happy. At the end of the tour we got to feed the elephants fruit! Tour was followed up with a delicious early dinner. Would highly recommend. The tour includes rain boots, water bottle, and umbrella.
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Posted On : 2024-06-21 05:09:06
Posted By : 220ianc
Great experience in the sanctuary. The tour started with a video of the mission for the sanctuary and then we were able to go for a walk around the grounds to see the elephants a little closer and learn about each of them. It was a highlight of our trip.
The sanctuary claims to be the only ethical elephant tourism spot on Phuket and it seemed to be the case. The elephants are allowed to roam around, eat and act naturally. It's really wholesome.
Take trainers if you don't want to wear old socks and wellies.
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Posted On : 2024-06-07 20:49:22
Posted By : B527TEhannahf
We spent a long time researching all of the elephant sanctuary’s in Phuket and decided to visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as it seemed to be completely ethical, with the elephants welfare being the number one priority. The sanctuary was incredible, being able to see the elephants in the wild was truly beautiful. All of the elephants are so well cared for, nobody is allowed to get too close to the elephants, you can just walk around the habitat. Hearing each elephant’s story was emotional yet heartwarming at the same time, to see that they now have a great quality of life. I hope that the sanctuary raises enough funds to soon build the elephant hospital that they need. For anyone apprehensive about visiting a sanctuary, I cannot recommend this one enough, you can really see how well looked after they all are, completely safe from harm. There is no touching, bathing etc. which is so important to check when doing your research! Incredible experience, one that we will never forget.
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Posted On : 2024-05-30 04:09:59
Posted By : matthewwX3615ZL
From start to finish the while experience was amazing. The care and compassion that the sanctuary shows the elephants is moving.
Arrived via car at the meeting point, checked in and transported a short 10 min drive via trucks into the sanctuary. We were greeted with complimentary snacks and drinks while we watched a 15 minute video highlighting the cruelty towards elephants in some parts of Thailand and the sanctuaries story and future plans to home these elephants so they can live a happy natural life.
We were allocated out tour guide and provided umbrellas, ponchos, socks and Wellington boots due to the muddy terrain within the sanctuary.
We were guided towards the elephants who were eating in the forest, being watched on a 1:1 ratio, where we were able to watch the elephants, hear their stories and informed about elephant anatomy and behaviours. You could really tell the staff and volunteers cared for the elephants.
Throughout the experience there were many photo opportunities as the elephants are playful with the other elephants, where it was explained they have best friends and hang out with each other to the point where their built bedrooms are put next to each other.
Towards the end of the experience we were give a fruit basket to feed the elephants.
After this we were taken back to the beginning area where food had been prepared, such as pas thai, rice and curries which were all delicious.
Once we were ready the drivers drove us back to the pickup point.
This experience was absolutely amazing and far exceeded any expectations that I had. I would recommend this to anyone and encourage to donate to such an amazing cause.
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Posted On : 2024-05-25 07:30:35
Posted By : Johanna_B
This is THE place to go if you respectfully want to visit elephants.
After the pickup from our hotel in Rawi Phuket we arrived after an hour. A quick checking (you need your passport number) we were brought to the park in a jeep. As it was raining we got some socks and rainboots. There are lockers to put your bags in. There were free snacks and drinks. When all the groups had arrived we watched a 16 min video explaining how the project started and why they are doing it. Then we got walking in small groups. We received a bottle of water, a rain poncho and an umbrella if wanted. We walked short distances to 1 or 2 elephants, each with there own care keeper. They are mainly eating. So amazing to see them up close. You always have to keep your distance which is very good. After an hour we got back to the start were we safely in a distance could feed 2 elephants. After this there was a delicious vegetarian Thai buffet with drinks. There is a little shop with clothes and gifts to support the work as well. Then back to the office and back to the hotel.
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Posted On : 2024-05-23 10:56:35
Posted By : KimMx
Moving visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where respect for animals is the priority. We learn about each of the refugees and we easily realize the negative impact of animal tourism on animal welfare. Thanks for what you do !
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Posted On : 2024-05-18 00:48:30
Posted By : 722warrens
Great afternoon with elephants. Guide was very knowledgeable. Great way to support the ethical treatment of elephants. Please go here (or another ethical sanctuary) and avoid places that abuse animals
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Posted On : 2024-05-16 07:56:42
Posted By : Linlena_B
Thank you! Wonderful experience. A must do first when in Phuket. I learned so much that changed my program. Learning all the facts and about them and their suffering from abuse and torture.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14 09:05:52
Posted By : Marco S
We had a lovely afternoon at the sanctuary.
The animals are treated with great respect.
The animals' past is very moving and we are happy that the animals can find a carefree home here.
We can definitely recommend this tour!
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Posted On : 2024-05-09 05:57:56
Posted By : yvonne_f
This is by far the best elephant sanctuary. Its all about the elephants being able to retire in peace. You will never believe what they go through and this is all about looking after them rather than abusing them. Please be mindful that even going in to bathe them should not happen, which doesnt happen here
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Posted On : 2024-05-06 12:12:33