What do you think, feel, see when you hear the word ‘sanctuary’?
To me, I see a pleasant home under the bright skies. I feel safe when I hear the word ‘sanctuary’. And this should be the meaning, not some incorrect and deceitful depiction!
Unfortunately, there exist some “sanctuaries” in Thailand, which are in fact a complete opposite from the word’s literal meaning.
However, there are a some elephant camps and sanctuaries that places the welfare and interests of the elephants as a priority! Some of these sanctuaries, recommended by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in 2015, includes:
Click respectively to be directed to the organization’s website to learn about the sanctuary
- Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Chiang Rai
- Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
- Elephant Haven, Kanchanaburi
- Elephant Hills, Khao Sok
- Phang Nga Elephant Park, Phang Nga
Great tour companies have shifted and steered away from camps offering elephant rides and animal circus shows. Instead, opportunities to interact with rescued elephants are being offered in an affectionate and caring level whilst learning understanding the special relationship between a caring mahout and elephants (TAT, 2015)!