ETHICAL Elephant CAMPS in Asia

Best Practices

• Elephants have free time in the afternoons. Daily program 1s0.00-12.00only.

• Large forest area and natural environment

Needs Improvement

• Regular use of bull hooks

• Elephant show with elephant painting

• The show has no explanation or commentary so it may be difficult for guests to understand

• Seated riding available

• Mahouts can be seen kicking and pulling the elephant's ear during the show

• Elephants carry heavy chains throughout the day and are chained at night

• No on-site vet or elephant clinic

• Mahouts have limited English ability

• More suitable for mass tourists

Overview

The aim of Elephant Nature Park is to provide a sanctuary and acts as a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants, cats and dogs, where visitors can be educated about Needs Improvementervation issues and also where you can volunteer and visit to help. We have been involved in dozens of rescues which have created our thriving elephant herd. The park provides a natural environment for elephants, dogs, cats, buffaloes and many other animals under our care.

Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present. Arrange a visit to all our projects in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Key Information

• 37 elephants, and also cats and dogs
• Volunteering opportunities
• Save the Elephant Foundation was established to protect Asian Elephants and rehabilitate captive elephants

• Founded in 1990s

Experiences Available

• Observation - guests can observe as elephants roam freely in the enclosure
• Elephant Bathing - guests observe as the mahouts bathe the elephants
• Elephant Feeding - guests have a chance to feed the elephants by hand before the show

Best Practices

• No bullhooks
  
• No chains
  
• No elephant shows
  
• No seated or neck riding
  
• Elephants roam freely within a walled enclosure
  
• The enclosure includes a forest area where elephants can go to rest
  
• The camp is associated with the Save the Elephant Foundation

Needs Improvement

• Popular with mass tourists
  

• Walls around the perimeter can obstruct viewing

Overview

Baanchang Elephant Park is dedicated to providing elephants with the highest quality-of-life possible.

We are AGAINST the practice of separating baby elephants from their mother. However, it is our policy to accept and provide care for orphaned baby elephants. Sadly, babies are often orphaned as the cruel result of commercial exploitation (such as a practice known as "elephant begging") and mistreatment. Fortunately, at present, all of the babies in our park have NOT been separated from their mother.

The location of our park was chosen to provide a natural habitat. We are also AGAINST the practice of elephant painting and the training of elephants to dance and to sit or stand on two legs. We Needs Improvementider these practices unnatural and abusive. Our goal is to teach visitors about the importance elephant preservation and proper eating, sleeping, bathing, and exercising methods. One method of providing exercise for our elephants and a learning experience for our visitors is to allow visitors, to a limited extent, to ride elephants "bareback." As you can imagine, caring for exploited and abused elephants is a continuous, difficult, and costly process.

To date, Baanchang Elephant Park has provided a home and a purpose for domesticated elephant with the generous support of visitors who take advantage of the once-in-a lifetime opportunity for an elephant Training. Because of our continued success, concerned people all over the world care about the future of Thailand’s elephants. It is our ongoing goal makes sure that future is a bright one.

We appreciate feedback from persons who have visited our park. Feedback allows us to educate persons who are seeking to learn about elephant care and respond to issues that are important to our visitors. We encourage visitors to spend as much time at the park as possible. This allows the visitor to see the complexities of caring for elephants and to learn acceptable methods of treatment. Needs Improvementtructive feedback also allows us to re-evaluate and improve our treatment methods. Improving the quality-of-life for elephants is a continuous and ongoing process.

We are a managed by private owner in all ways. All funds are from visitors : meaning we are funded exclusively by visitors and every cent we receive goes towards making our elephants lives as pleasant as possible and, of course, retiring and rescue new elephants.

Key Information

• Non-profit organization that aims to protect and provide purpos
  domesticated elephants
  
• Professional English-peaking mahouts

Experiences

• Elephant Feeding feed elephants with banana and sugar cane
• Elephant Bathing bathe and brush the elephants
• Elephant Riding non-seated elephant ride and learn basic commands

Best Practices

• No elephant shows
  
• No seated riding
  
• No chains (while mahout is nearby)
  
• Large area and natural environment
  
• Observe process of making paper from elephant dung
  
• Non-profit organization. All profits go back to supporting the elephants.

Needs Improvement

• Use of bullhooks to control elephants
• Elephant neck riding is available
• Elephants are chained at night.

Overview

Offering personal and private experiences, E.L.E. allows guests to develop a close
relationship with the elephants. Elephant  Life Experience ( E.L.E.) “EXPERIENCE” being the prominent feature. The guest will have the special opportunity to build a closeness to an individual elephant. Not being part of a large crowd will enable the visitor to spend as much time as they wish experiencing elephant life together..This will build a rapport with the elephant in their natural  environment far  removed from  the usual  organized  tours  of Elephant  camps. We offer the visitor the freedom, flexibility and time needed to get closer to nature.

Key Information

• Private experience for guests
  
• Located in Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

• Elephant Painting
  
• Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate
  
• Elephant Feeding learn how and what to feed elephants
  
• Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back for about 30
  minutes

   

Best Practices

• Smaller, far more intimate camp and experiences
• Photographer provided by camp
• No seated riding
  
• No chains (while mahout is nearby)
  
• Large area and natural environment along river
  
• Only offer private experiences. Very few tourists.

Needs Improvement

• Private programs are more expensive
• Use of bullhooks to command elephants
• Elephants are trained to paint
• Elephant neck riding is available
• Elephants are chained at night.

Overview

Thai Elephant Home was founded by Nayok Satien and is managed by Wanachart Buraphakiat, nickname Joe. Both Satien and Joe grew up around elephants and together shared the desire to create a safe caring environment for these majestic animals. Together they founded Thai Elephant Home in 2006 with 1 elephant. Now Thai Elephant Home has 20 elephants, 14 at the main camp and 6 at the nursery. Our elephants are ridden bareback with only one guest per elephant. Each elephant has its own individual mahout who cares for their elephant.

Eco-Tourism and Needs Improvementervation: Thai Elephant Home realizes the number of Asian elephants continues to decline as the population pressures on the elephants’ natural habitat continues to increase. Thai Elephant Home has an active breeding program to increase the size of our herd therein helping to preserve the Asian elephant for future generations. Knowing the elephants’ natural jungle habitat is fragile and continues to decrease, Thai Elephant Home maintains trekking trails into the jungle which allow guests to enjoy nature without leaving a heavy footprint. Thai Elephant Home also has an active land purchasing program aimed at maintaining and expanding the elephants’ natural habitat.

Our Mission

The Thai Elephant Home is devoted to the Needs Improvementervation and preservation of the endangered majestic Asian elephant. Rescued elephant are provided a safe, caring and ethical environment, while the nursery seeks to preserve Thailand’s baby elephants for future generations. The camp is committed to providing education coupled with hands experiences aimed at helping people understand the realities, challenges and opportunities the Asian elephant faces. In the process the Thai Elephant Home supports the local community through job creation, reforestation efforts and educational scholarships.

Our Objectives

Key Information

• 16 elephants
  
• Founded in 2006
  
• Located in Chiang Mai

Experiences Available

• Mahout Training train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to
  command elephants
  
• Elephant Bathing observe elephants bathing and have a chance to participate
  
• Elephant Riding learn basic commands and ride by elephant back
  
• Black Mud Spa Join the elephants in a spa treatment using black mud, rich in
  magnesium and calcium, it is great for both elephants and people.

   

Best Practices

• No elephant shows
  
• No elephant painting
  
• No seated riding
  
• No chains (while mahout is nearby)
  
• Large area and natural environment
  
• Unique Black Mud Spa

Needs Improvement

• Use of bullhooks to command elephants
  
• Elephant neck riding is available
  
• Elephants are chained at night

Overview

The Thai Elephant Needs Improvementervation Center (TECC), founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage, cares for more than 50 Asian elephants in a beautiful forest conveniently located near the famous city of Chiang Mai. Beyond being an exciting tourist experience, the TECC is also known for its pioneering work in Needs Improvementervation and science. The TECC also proudly houses six of HM King Bhumibol's ten white elephants in the Royal Elephant Stables. As Thailand's only government-owned elephant camp, the TECC promotes affordability and accessibility. The admission price is only 200 baht for adults ) and 100 baht for children. Being often visited by Thai families and schoolchildren, the TECC's foreign guests never feel caught on the tourist trail. Guidebooks Needs Improvementistently praise the TECC for its relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere. The TECC offers many enjoyable Activities. Day trip "musts" include watching elephant bathing, the elephant show and a visit to see our baby elephants. Most guests take an elephant-back ride and tour our hospital. Overnight activities include our popular Homestay program and trekking in the forest.

Key Information

• Over 100 elephants
  
• Approximately 550,000 sq.m. (136 acres)
  
• Operated by the Forest Industry Organization, a government enterprise
  
• Houses the National Elephant Institute of Thailand, a center of learning for
  specialists
  
• Founded in 1993
  

Experiences Available

• Elephant Show a 40-minute show demonstrating logging techniques, painting
  and making music. Daily at 10.00, 11.00 and 13:30.
  
• Elephant Riding Wooden seating for 2 people strapped to elephant back. Rides
  range from 10 minutes to 1 hour.
  
• Mahout Training School train as a mahout and learn basic techniques used to
  command elephants

   

Best Practices

• Large area and natural environment
  
• Onsite vet and elephant hospital, which is used to treat elephants nationwide
  
• Care center for disabled and elderly elephants
  
• Elephants have free time in the afternoons and are able to return to the nearby
  forest
  
• Elephants are kept on a long chain at night (20 meters), allowing freedom of
  movement
  
• Exhibition building with posters, displays and video presentation about the
  importance of elephants in Thai history and culture
  
• Guests can also observe the Dung Paper Factory

Needs Improvement

• Use of bullhooks for safety purposes
  
• Elephant show with elephant painting
  
• Seated riding available
  
• Some elephants carry chains throughout the day
  
• Target audience is more mainstream and groups
  
• Relatively far from Chiang Mai

   

Overview

Key Information

• Six resident elephants
  
• 160,000 sq.m. (40 acres)
  
• Work with Wildlife Needs Improvementervation Society (WCS) in protection of forests and
  wildlife
  
• Managed by Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (ELIE), an NGO founded
  in Cambodia
  
• Founded in 2016
  

Experiences Available

• Observation guests can observe the elephants as they walk, eat and play in the
  area. The elephants are encouraged to behave naturally, so there are no shows,
  riding or other unnatural activities.

   

Best Practices

• No elephant shows
  
• No seated riding
  
• Verbal commands are encouraged
  
• Elephants roam freely throughout the day (while mahout is nearby)
  
• Purpose to re-introduce elephants into the wild
  
• The host is well-versed in elephant welfare issues and can discuss in-depth about
  elephant behavior
  
• Large area and natural environment
  
• Quiet and not mass tourist-y

Needs Improvement

• Use of bullhooks for safety purposes
  
• Elephants are chained at night

Overview

Fully funded by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the camp was established as a
traditional mahout village and works to provide employment and a comfortable
lifestyle for elephants and their mahout families. Learn, play and connect with elephants in their natural environment, enriched by expert insights. Setting a benchmark for welfare, their award-winning Dara Elephant Camp offers animal encounters and tours, some inclusive of resort fees.

Key Information

• 25 elephants
  
• Associated with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which aims to
  protect Asian elephants and supports mahout communities
  
• Founded in 2003
  
• Located in Chiang Rai

Experiences Available

• Elephant Riding non-seated riding to nearby river and experience bathing with
  elephants.

Best Practices

• No seated riding
  
• Large area and natural environment
  
• Associated with the Golden Triangle
• Support for mahout families

Needs Improvement

• Expensive compared to non-resort camps
• Excessive use of bullhooks
  
• Elephants are chained
  
• Mahouts act aggressively with elephants
  
• Bathing experience where guests are seated on the elephants
  
• Limited information about how to behave with the elephant
  
• Limited explanation in English

Overview

Elephants World is a self-supporting Environmental Needs Improvemen/Intervation Organization that cares for domestic elephants, situated just outside the town of Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Elephants World cares for the daily needs of over 30 elephants and staff by offering Eco-travelers the experience of an up-close and personal encounters. Our visitor programs range from a single-day visit to the Mahout Experience program of a week or more.

Key Information

• 26 elephants
  
• Approximately 260,000 sq.m. of land (64 acres)
  
• Founded in 2008
  
• Located in Kanchanaburi

Experiences Available

• FD Program feed the elephant, watch them play, prepare their food language
  and help them bathe
  
• Overnight Program Not suitable for luxury guests

   

Best Practices

• Location close to Bangkok
• No elephant shows
  
• Non-profit organization
  
• No riding (neither neck or seated)
  
• Very large area and natural environment
  
• 2 on-site vets and elephant clinic with several volunteer
  
• Care center for disabled, sick and elderly elephants
  
• Elephants have free time in the afternoons
  
• Educational experiences
  
• Beautiful location on the river
  
• English, French, Spanish (and occasionally other languages) speaking
  volunteers explain elephant issues to guests

Needs Improvement

• Very basic camp with limited facilities
  
• Elephants are chained at night or when males in musth (heat)

Overview

Sai Yok Elephant Camp is now known as Elephant Haven Thailand. The owners and families have completely stopped taking part of activities that distress their elephants, such as elephant shows and riding. The saddles have been taken away, foreever.

Our group of fortunate elephants are now enjoying their freedom. They are roaming free in the natural habitat, walking into the green forests, having a river bath and rolling in the mud pit, a favorite. All of them used to work for their entire lives and now we take off their chains and support them to live the rest of their lives peacefully. Your support of our efforts is critical and appreciated.

Key Information

• 7 elephants
  
• Approximately 200,000 sq.m. of land
  
• Founded in 2016

Experiences Available

• Therapeutic Trek - includes feed of elephants, watch them bathe,
  walk with them (one-hour trek) and feed them again. Lunch is served after at the
  scenic viewpoint restaurant.

   

Best Practices

• No elephant shows
  
• Non-profit organization
  
• No riding (neither neck or seated)
  
• Very large area and natural environment
  
• Educational experiences
  
• Beautiful location on the river
  
• High quality, new buildings & facilities
  
• Elephants encouraged to move verbally
  
• Part-owned by former owner of Thai Elephant Needs Improvementervation Center (CNX)

Needs Improvement

• Mahouts carry bullhooks in bags, but they only use in emergency
  
• Guests have to cross the small river in a boat with unstable jetty. Not suitable for
  anyone with mobility issues.

Overview

The Four Season's Tented Camp is one of Asia's most exclusive resort retreats. Guest fees have now assisted in the adoption of more than ten elephants from the streets. Monthly sponsorship that includes all their food, veterinary and incidental bills (as well as the wages and benefits for their mahouts), these elephants can now live in a natural environment. Donations through similar sponsorships have helped baby elephants separated from their mothers before their natural weaning age, and elephants roaming city streets. These elephants are cared for on-site and can be seen during breakfast, or upon request, through a visit to the foundation camp. We are a member of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF); as such, we offer our guests the opportunity to help rescue elephants from the streets of Thai cities. Donations made through GTAEF go directly to the care and welfare of these adopted elephants, with all administration and logistical support covered by Four Seasons Tented Camp at Golden Triangle.

The Foundation’s focus is on keeping wild elephants free and safe, and rescuing non-wild elephants from cruel conditions. The organization does not breed elephants or take them out of the wilderness. An additional goal is to look after the dedicated care-givers who are instrumental in helping rescued elephants heal and adjust to their new circumstances. The deep mutual attachment that develops between rehabilitated elephants and their mahouts is apparent to all who observe them. The Foundation works closely with mahouts and their families to help them build financial independence, supported by Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

The rehabilitated elephants now lead happy, comfortable lives: they are well looked after by their mahouts, spend ample time in the jungle and enjoy a bath every single day. They are also encouraged to spend their time the way they like. For instance, the Camp’s activities team is made up of social elephants who love to interact with people, while those who prefer solitude and quiet are left to snooze in the sun.

Key Information

• The camp is part of a world-class jungle resort

Experiences Available

• Trekking with elephants, observing bathing, dining with elephants

Best Practices

• Exclusive resort with limited number of travelers
• Partnered with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) that rescues elephants from the streets of Thailand
• Natural environment, elephants allowed freedom of unstructured living

Needs Improvement

• Expensive, for luxury resort guests only
• Feeding allowed

Overview

Elephant Hills operates a luxury tented jungle camp, combining the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment. They offer 2-4 day nature soft adventure tours in and around the stunningly beautiful Khao Sok area. The Elephant Camp comprises luxury tailor-made tents and has successfully been operated since over 10 years.

The floating Rainforest Camp, one of the world’s only luxury floating tented camps, was opened in 2011 and is situated on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake. Both camps are situated in the Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, approximately two hours apart from each other, close to popular beach destinations like Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and even Koh Samui. To facilitate travels to Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camps, all transfers to and from Elephant Hills are included in the tour packages.

Key Information

• Located in verdant Khao Sok National Park

Experiences Available

• Jungle trekking with elephants

Best Practices

• Incredible primitive jungles and lakes setting

Needs Improvement

• Resort packages are more expensive than day camps

Overview

Founded by Swiss partners, Urs Fehr and Nathanael Schärer, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a home for retired working elephants, set on 30 acres of lush tropical jungle. Observe how elephants rehabilitate into forest life after decades of abuse, and experience how incredible the largest land mammal on earth is during a day at the sanctuary.

Key Information

• Only camp among the Thai islands
• Founder's mission is to provide care for rescue elephants

Experiences Available

• 1/2 day programs include education on care of elephants, feeding, and river mud bathing

Best Practices

• Founded by founder of Save Elephant Foundation.
• Sanctuary visitors do not ride the elephants
• Operates elephant clinic that treats elephants not just from the camp

Needs Improvement

• Mass tourist location

Overview

An intimate non-riding experience. With no riding (neck or back) MandaLao offers a
mostly hands-off experience that allows the guests the chance to feed and walk the
elephants and to learn about the project to re-integrate former working elephants
into the Lao countryside.
Guests are collected from the hotel by the camp (with a camp guide) and
transferred in a private vehicle for 45 minutes to the camp.

Key Information

• 7 elephants
  
• Approximately 200,000 sq.m. of land
  
• Founded in 2016

Experiences Available

• Therapeutic Trek - includes feed of elephants, watch them bathe,
  walk with them (one-hour trek) and feed them again. Lunch is served after at the
  scenic viewpoint restaurant.