Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Program Update: Moving Towards Higher Welfare Standards

Beginning August 2025, we will discontinue all elephant feeding activities at Hill Tribe Elephant Village.

This transition is part of our effort to align with the ethical guidelines of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Our focus will shift fully to educational, observation-only experiences, allowing elephants to live freely without human interference.

We believe true appreciation comes from witnessing natural behavior — not interaction.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Enrichment at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

Experience Ethical Elephant Enrichment

Observe. Learn. Respect. No Riding. No Bathing. No Tricks.

Elephants enjoying enrichment in natural habitat

What is Enrichment?

At Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, we believe in ethical elephant tourism. Our sanctuary provides enrichment activities that support the physical and mental well-being of our elephants.

Guests are invited to observe natural elephant behavior, join enrichment sessions, and learn from our guides — all without disturbing the elephants’ freedom.

No Riding
No Bathing
No Feeding by Force
Yes to Respect and Learning

What You’ll Experience

Forest Walks: Quietly follow the elephants as they forage, socialize, or relax in their natural rhythm.
Enrichment Making: Guests help prepare seasonal elephant snacks using natural ingredients—like tamarind, bananas, salt, and rice husk—then observe elephants enjoy them.
Behavior Observation: Learn from our mahouts and guides about elephant psychology, body language, and individual rescue stories.
No Physical Interaction: Photography from a respectful distance only.

Elephant roaming freely without tourist interaction

Why We Don’t Offer Feeding or Bathing

Starting August 2025, Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is transitioning away from all forms of direct interaction — including feeding and bathing — to align with international welfare standards.

While these activities may seem harmless, they often cause stress and disrupt the elephants’ natural behavior. Instead, we focus on observation-based experiences where elephants are free to choose how they spend their day.

Observe. Learn. Respect.
This is the future of responsible elephant tourism.

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 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.