Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: Experience Responsible Elephant Care
Discover Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS), an award-winning ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand where responsible tourism and long-term animal welfare guide our commitment to elephant care, welfare, and conservation.
Founded in July 2014 through a collaboration between Karen hill tribe members and local Chiang Mai communities, EJS provides a safe, caring home for elephants while welcoming visitors to discover our approach to responsible elephant care.
During your visit, you can learn about elephants’ natural behavior and participate in appropriate hands-on activities in a respectful environment, such as preparing nutritious food and joining guided feeding experiences. With expert guidance from our dedicated team, you’ll gain a closer understanding of the elephants’ daily routines and individual needs.
What Makes EJS Different?
At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, the well-being of the elephants in our care comes first. As part of our commitment to the welfare of elephants in Thailand, we provide a safe, caring, and permanent home for our residences, where their individual needs and natural behaviors are respected. During your visit, you’ll discover how our dedicated team builds trust through daily care and creates meaningful experiences centered on long-term animal welfare.
We believe that conservation starts with understanding, and that responsible tourism and sustainable tourism begin with respect for the elephants in our care. That’s why our elephant experiences in Thailand are thoughtfully designed around their well-being and natural daily routines, giving you opportunities to learn, connect, and participate in appropriate hands-on activities under expert guidance from our dedicated team.
Whether you’re visiting Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, or Koh Samui, you’ll discover an authentic elephant experience built around respectful care and meaningful learning. Our commitment to high standards of elephant welfare helps make every visit an opportunity to understand and support the elephants’ long-term well-being.
Awards & Recognition
Our commitment to responsible tourism, animal welfare, and elephant conservation has earned Elephant Jungle Sanctuary recognition both in Thailand and internationally. Through elephant care, rehabilitation, welfare, and conservation, we strive to support the long-term well-being of elephants while promoting responsible ways to experience wildlife.
We are proud to have received recognition and independent certifications from respected organisations, including the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), reflecting our commitment to ethical practices and continuously improving standards in elephant care.
Veterinary Care
Our dedicated veterinary team provides the best possible care for every elephant. From regular check-ups to emergency care, we ensure our gentle giants stay healthy and happy. Our care includes:
- Daily health checks
- Regular vet visit
- Special diets and nutrition
- Mental wellness activities
- 24/7 medical support
Your visit helps us provide this vital care and keep our elephants thriving.
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.
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.
Community
Every visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary creates ripples of positive change. Here’s how:
Empowering Local Communities
- Creating meaningful jobs for local residents
- Supporting village schools and projects
- Partnering with local farmers for elephant food
- Sharing elephant conservation knowledge
Our Partnership with TCPF
We’re proud to work with The Care Project Foundation to provide:
- Specialized care for elderly elephants
- Expert veterinary services
- A permanent home for the Matriarch Project
- Enhanced conservation resources
Your visit helps sustain these vital partnerships and creates a world where elephants and communities thrive side by side.
Veterinary Care
Every elephant deserves care that meets their individual needs. At EJS, our dedicated veterinary team provides ongoing healthcare, from routine health checks to emergency medical support. Discover how our team looks after the elephants’ physical health and overall well-being through daily care and veterinary attention. Our care includes:
- Daily health checks
- Regular vet visit
- Special diets and nutrition
- Mental wellness activities
- 24/7 medical support
By visiting Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, you’re supporting the ongoing healthcare and daily well-being of the elephants in our care.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide elephants with ongoing care that respects their health, individual needs, and natural daily routines. Through meaningful visitor experiences and expert guidance from our dedicated team, we invite you to discover the importance of responsible elephant care and help support long-term animal welfare.
Sustainability
Caring for our elephants also means caring for the environment they call home. At EJS, we support the protection of local wildlife, plants, and water sources while working closely with surrounding communities. Through responsible practices, we strive to create a healthy environment where elephants can express their natural behaviors and receive the care they need for long-term well-being.
Community
Your visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary goes beyond spending time with elephants. It also supports the local communities and partnerships that help make responsible elephant care possible. Here’s how your experience makes a difference:
Supporting Our Local Communities
- Creating meaningful jobs for local residents
- Supporting village schools and projects
- Partnering with local farmers for elephant food
- Sharing knowledge about responsible elephant care and long-term animal welfare
- Our Partnership with The Care Project Foundation (TCPF)
Through our partnership with The Care Project Foundation (TCPF), we support specialized elephant care and initiatives that contribute to long-term animal welfare, including:
- Specialized care for elderly elephants
- Expert veterinary services
- A permanent home for the Matriarch Project
- Elephant Mobile Clinic
- Additional resources to support long-term elephant welfare
Every visit helps us continue working with local communities and dedicated partners to support the elephants in our care. By choosing EJS, you’re contributing to meaningful initiatives that prioritize elephant well-being and community involvement.
Our Locations
Discover meaningful elephant experiences across Thailand at our four sanctuary destinations: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. Each location offers opportunities to learn about elephant care, explore natural behavior, and enjoy responsible visitor activities with elephant welfare at the heart of every experience.
Find your next elephant experience at one of our sanctuary locations:
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai: Discover where the EJS journey began. Join our guided elephant experiences, learn about natural elephant behavior, and explore the importance of responsible care in the beautiful surroundings of Chiang Mai.
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket: Experience meaningful elephant encounters in Phuket through guided feeding activities and educational programs designed around elephant well-being and responsible tourism.
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Pattaya: Choose from experiences such as our Feed Me, Half-Day, and Feed & Bath programs, where you can learn about elephant care and participate in supervised activities with expert guidance from our dedicated team.
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Samui: Discover a peaceful elephant experience in Koh Samui, where you can learn about daily elephant care, natural behaviors, and long-term animal welfare through educational activities and guided interactions.
Elephant Jungle
Sanctuary Blog
Welcome to the EJS Blog!
The Care
Project Foundation
Welcome to the Care Project Foundation
Support
elephants
TESTIMONIALS
Featured by travel bloggers and trusted in travel recommendations, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS) is widely recognized for meaningful and ethical elephant experiences.
-
BEST ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN THAILAND - Absolutely loved Pim and Eddie. Both were extremely knowledgeable, funny and patience with all participants. I love that it was very interactive, doesn't feel like time is moving because the staff is always engaging. Very clean location as well!!!! The Elephants are beautiful!!!! 
Porscha M
June 12, 2024 Incredible Value for a Bucket List Experience - We attended the afternoon visit to meet the elephants. The immersive small group experience was about the perfect duration and each activity was paced for just about the right amount of time. The elephants seemed happy and playful while still being accustomed to human contact which removed any tension from the interaction with the beautiful massive creatures. The staff was dedicated to their service to the animals and appeared genuinely having fun during the tour. In other circumstances, I’d imagine the tour could have cost a few hundred US dollars a person for its content. The free taxi service and food service only added one value. Overall an excellent use of an afternoon in Phuket. 
Dylan P
June 12, 2024 Amazing experience - Amazing experience, we did it in a small friendly group, we helped prepare food for elephants, fed them , mud bath and bathed elephants before a buffet style lunch with tutorial on how to make pad Thai, received some souvenirs and said goodbye to the elephants. Lots of photo opportunities throughout experience (you can take your own and some are taken of you and posted for you to download later). Mr chow made the experience that more enjoyable! Thank you 
Coastal03023325744
June 6, 2024
- BEST ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN THAILAND - Absolutely loved Pim and Eddie. Both were extremely knowledgeable, funny and patience with all participants. I love that it was very interactive, doesn't feel like time is moving because the... read more Porscha M
June 12, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Easy Is It to Get to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary?
Planning your visit to EJS is easy, with transport options such as taxis and local transfers available depending on the location: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
Depending on your chosen sanctuary and program, you can arrange a taxi, use available local transfers, or explore accommodation options nearby hotels . We recommend checking the transportation details for your preferred experience before booking.
Is Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Suitable for Accessible Tourism?
We want everyone to feel welcome at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. However, accessibility can vary between locations due to natural terrain and facilities. Visitors who require wheelchair access or have specific mobility needs are encouraged to contact our team in advance for suitable travel and access recommendations.
What Exactly Is An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary?
An ethical elephant sanctuary places elephant well-being at the center of daily care and visitor experiences. At EJS, we provide elephants with a carefully managed environment where their individual needs and natural behaviors are respected. During your visit, you’ll learn how our dedicated team supports elephant health and long-term animal welfare through appropriate care and supervised activities.
What Activities Can I Expect at An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary?
At EJS, you can enjoy educational activities that bring you closer to understanding elephants and their daily care. Depending on your chosen location and program, your experience may include preparing nutritious food, supervised elephant feeding, and guided bathing activities. With expert guidance from our dedicated team, you’ll learn about natural elephant behavior while respecting the elephants’ comfort and well-being.
What Can I Do to Support Ethical Elephant Tourism?
You can support responsible elephant tourism by choosing sanctuaries that prioritize long-term animal welfare and respectful visitor activities. At EJS, your visit is an opportunity to learn about elephant care, understand natural behaviors, and participate in appropriate guided experiences. By making thoughtful travel choices, you can help support the ongoing care and well-being of elephants.
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?
An elephant’s well-being depends on the quality of care, its environment, and its ability to express natural behaviors. At EJS, we follow animal welfare principles based on the Five Freedoms and Five Domains to guide our daily care practices. We believe meaningful elephant experiences begin with respecting each elephant’s individual needs and supporting its long-term well-being.
Our Partners
Asian Trails
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
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
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.
Klook
Taecho Club
KAYAK
Panorama Destination
Trip.com
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Contact Information
chiang mai
Address: 119/10 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Monday-Sunday 7 AM - 9 PM
pattaya
Address: Office 3, 347 Pattaya 3rd Rd, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Monday-Sunday 8 AM - 6 PM
samui
Address: Soi Maenam 1, Maenam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330
Monday-Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM
