Step into the World of Majestic Gentle Giants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – A Complete Guide for Wildlife Enthusiasts 

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a haven for rescue elephants. Surrounded by lush jungles, this sanctuary features a serene environment. Here’s a closer look at what makes it a must-visit. 

History 

The sanctuary was founded in 2016 by Mr Montri Todtane, a philanthropist with a big heart who took on the care of these gentle giants. He used to own an elephant riding camp but wanted to open a more ethical tourist attraction inspired by Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. He completely transformed the way elephant tourism is viewed, creating a space where tourists can enjoy seeing elephants, and the elephants are treated with love, compassion, and respect. The mission of the sanctuary is to rescue elephants who once faced hardship, nurse them back to health, and let them live out their days in the open wilderness. Thanks to the sanctuary’s efforts, these elephants are well-cared for and can once again become the majestic animals of the wilderness they once were.

Location 

Occupying the eastern side of Phuket, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is in Paklok. It’s located right next to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The lush surroundings of the area create an ideal environment for elephants. The location is easily accessible. From Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, one of the luxury hotels in Phuket, it’s only half an hour to the sanctuary. 

Ethical Practices

At PES, it’s all about the elephants’ well-being. This isn’t your typical elephant sanctuary where you can ride, bathe, and take pictures of elephants. It’s a space where these wild, majestic creatures can be themselves – roaming, foraging, bathing, and socialising with other elephants. You can view the elephants from a distance – there’s a canopy walkway that brings you a bird’s-eye view of the elephants in their natural habitat. 

A Day at the Sanctuary

Your visit to PES will be more than just seeing elephants; it’s a chance to learn about these creatures and be inspired by them. The sanctuary offers you a rare chance to understand the importance of eco-tourism – how it’s a win-win for both the environment and the tourism industry. A tour typically starts with an educational session, including a video that tells you all about the cruel realities these elephants faced before they found refuge at the sanctuary. Once the session is over, you will be taken on a tour where you can see elephants roam, bathe, eat, and play with other elephants. The best thing about the sanctuary is that it stands as an example of eco-tourism where humans don’t need to interrupt the natural world to enjoy it. This sanctuary allows the elephants to be themselves, without the shackles of human ambition, while offering you a rare opportunity to see elephants enjoy their day peacefully. 

Meet the Elephants 

Every resident of PES has a unique story – a story that can bring tears to your eyes. Take Mali, for example. She’s now in her 40s and was rescued from the logging and tourism industries, where she worked tirelessly without compassion. Than-Tawan is another resident with a similar story. She’s now in her 70s and was rescued from a riding camp. Learning about these elephants is the best part of visiting PES. It adds a personal touch to your visit while opening your eyes to the hardships these animals face at the hands of humans. 

Your Support 

If you ever find yourself in Phuket, you simply must visit PES. It’s one of the few places where you can see elephants be themselves. It’s also a matter of supporting places like PES, which can be done by visiting the sanctuary and learning about elephants and sustainable tourism. There are other ways you can help, too. You can contribute to the Happy Meal programme, where you can make a small donation to provide special rice balls that supplement the elephants’ diets. The sanctuary is also working hard to become self-sufficient. These efforts include planting banana trees, sugar cane, and other plants elephants like to feed on. 

A Final Word 

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is not your typical elephant attraction. It’s a place where elephants are free to do as they please. Your visit to the sanctuary is an opportunity to support the ethical treatment of these majestic animals and learn about them. Visiting the sanctuary is the best way to lend support to it while discovering a unique tourist experience in Phuket.