How We Support Local Communities
Ethical tourism is not just about elephants — it’s also about people. At Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, our commitment extends to the families, farmers, and workers who share this land with us.
🌱 Buying Local, Feeding Giants
Each elephant eats up to 350 kilograms of food daily. Instead of importing supplies, we buy directly from local farmers — bananas, sugarcane, and grass that keep both elephants and communities thriving. Every meal for an elephant is also income for a family.
👩🌾 Creating Jobs for Khao Lak Residents
Our team of 20 staff — from mahouts to guides — are all employed from the Khao Lak area. This means steady jobs, fair wages, and a chance for families to build their future without leaving their hometown. When you visit, you’re helping sustain these livelihoods.
🤝 Fair Partnerships with Locals
Beyond food and staff, we work with local businesses for transport, construction, and maintenance. By keeping money in the community, tourism becomes a tool for shared growth instead of exploitation.
🎓 Education & Awareness
Every visitor who learns about ethical elephant care also learns about the role of local communities in conservation. We share stories of farmers and families, showing how tourism can support, not replace, traditional ways of life.
“When you choose an ethical sanctuary, you’re not only helping elephants — you’re also investing in the people who protect them.”
🌍 Why This Matters
Many “elephant attractions” focus only on profit, ignoring both animals and communities. Our approach is different: elephants come first, people come second — but always together. Because conservation without community is never sustainable.
