Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Care And Green Living in Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS) is an award-winning, ethical, and sustainable tourism project in Thailand. Founded in July 2014, it was established as a collaborative effort between members of the Karen hill tribes and local Chiang Mai residents. Our shared vision was to provide a safe home for elephants in Thailand and promote elephant conservation.

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What Makes EJS Different ?

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is fully dedicated to the welfare of our elephants in Thailand. At our elephant sanctuary, we provide each magnificent creature with a safe, healthy, and permanent elephants’ home. Our commitment goes beyond just shelter; we build deep bonds of trust with every elephant, which allows us to offer visitors an ethical elephant experience.

We believe in sustainable tourism and responsible tourism, and our goal is to be a model for ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. We’ve carefully designed our elephant tour in Thailand to be respectful and align with the elephants’ natural daily routines. This provides a genuine elephant experience in Thailand and is a key reason we are considered one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. We are more than just an elephant park; we are a true elephant rescue and a haven for elephants in nature.

Awards & Recognition

Our work has earned us a positive reputation for elephant care. We are honoured to have received recognition, both locally and internationally, for our ethical welfare practices, and EJS has been independently certified by numerous organisations.

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Our Mission

We give elephants a life they deserve – one filled with freedom, health, and joy. Through our work, we inspire change and build a future where these magnificent animals are treated with respect.

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Sustainability

We care for both our elephants and their home. Our sanctuary protects local wildlife, plants, and water sources while supporting our community. Through sustainable practices, we create a thriving environment where elephants and nature flourish side by side.

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Our Locations

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary currently cares for elephants at beautiful, specially designed locations in four provinces throughout Thailand: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.

Chiang Mai

Phuket

Pattaya

Samui

Chiang Mai

TESTIMONIALS

					  Wonderful  - You are picked up from your hotel. Then dropped off at the sanctuary. You are briefed about your morning with the elephants 🐘. After that it is sheer heaven. You... read more get to feed them water melon. Then with your hands you mix them some  food. Bananas and rice are two of the ingredients. Then you feed them also. Then the best bit. You give them a mud bath followed by giving them a wash with a scrubbing brush. These amazing creatures are so wonderful to be up close and personal with. They are so gentle. So to be able to be next to them in the water is a pretty special experience. Don't hesitate Just do it. It will be THE BEST thing you will ever be able to do				
4965
06/12/2025 

					  First impressions.  !!!!!  - Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Putong

We Picked part of our holiday just to visit this sanctuary. As the experiences in pattaya had been really enjoyable & informative.

Pick up... read more & drop off

From the Hotel was excellent, no waiting around.

Introduction :-

This part was a shame , the staff  came across as being fed up with the customers, with blunt aggressive attitude.

But after an hour they started to relax a bit and i believe one had a smile.

Here -  they put 1 basket or food down near an elephant for customers to feed the elephants.

( Human nature kicks in)

So its not a pleasant experience.

Other sanctuaries  give you a small basket each, so everyone gets a chance .

Simular experience with the washing of the elephants

Nothing left to scrub them with as they had obviously run out of scrubbing brushes etc.

But the experience of being close to the elephants is beautiful. 

The food provided was tasty. 

Finally 

I proberly won't return here.

First impressions spoilt it on this occasion. 

But thats just my opinion.

Im sure it was just an off day. & would recommend visiting sanctuaries .				
Plasterite_Middleton
02/12/2025 

					  Amazing, educational & unforgettable  - Nancy & her team were absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable & the love they have for these rescued elephants are truly wonderful.

We had an amazing & unforgettable experience feeding, mud... read more bathing & brushing the mud off of these most majestic animals. 

Thank you & keep up the good work

Anita & Barry				
Anita S
21/12/2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Exactly Is An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary?

An ethical elephant sanctuary is a safe haven dedicated to the well-being and conservation of elephants. It’s a place where elephants can live freely in a natural environment, without being forced to perform or participate in activities. The focus is on their health, happiness, and freedom, guided by the expertise of veterinarians and experienced elephant caretakers who have been trained alongside them.

What Activities Can I Expect at An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary?

At an ethical elephant sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat, such as watching them roam freely, forage for food, and interact with each other. You may also be able to assist in their daily care, like preparing their food or helping with their routine health checks. If an activity involves water, it is presented as a way to help bathe and care for the elephants, focusing on their hygiene and comfort rather than on providing entertainment.

What Can I Do to Support Ethical Elephant Tourism?

You can support ethical elephant tourism by choosing sanctuaries that prioritize the welfare of their elephants above all else. Look for places where you can observe and interact with elephants with love, care and respect, and where the elephants have plenty of space to roam freely. By supporting these sanctuaries, you help ensure that elephants can live a life of dignity and freedom.

Do Thai People Respect Elephants?

Elephants hold deep cultural and historical significance in Thailand. They are a national symbol of strength and dignity, deeply intertwined with Thai Culture. With many focusing on the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary model.

Are Elephants Happy in Sanctuaries?

The happiness of an elephant depends on the sanctuary’s quality. At EJS, we’re operated under five freedoms and domains to ensure the welfare of our elephants on a routine basis. We believe the best elephant experiences start with a happy elephant.

Our Partners

Our partnership with Elephant Jungle Sanctuary represents a shared commitment to ethical, sustainable tourism. Over the years we have witnessed their dedication to elephant welfare, habitat protection, and community empowerment first-hand. It is a privilege to support and collaborate with a team so deeply devoted to making a positive difference, and together we look forward to inspiring travelers to experience Thailand in a way that respects both wildlife and people.

Claudio Loi
Product Development Manager | Thailand
Asian Trails Ltd

Monkey Travel is an Asian travel agency based in Thailand, creating not just trips but unique journeys that allow travelers to deeply experience local culture and nature. Together with Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, we practice ethical and sustainable tourism—offering travelers unforgettable experiences while providing protection and support for local communities and the environment.

Ticket2Attraction is Thailand’s leading online platform for booking tickets and tours, dedicated to promoting ethical and sustainable tourism. Our partnership with Elephant Jungle Sanctuary creates memorable travel experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and ensuring responsible wildlife conservation, leaving travelers with lasting impressions.