Welcome to Elefriends Home "Be a friend to giants"

To create a sanctuary where elephants live freely on their own terms, and where every human visitor leaves as a more informed, more empathetic advocate for their future.

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who we are?

Our mission

We are a community of caretakers, mahouts, and nature lovers who view elephants not as assets, but as family. We honor the deep-rooted history of the Thai mahout culture while evolving our practices to meet the highest standards of modern welfare.

To provide a dignified, lifelong sanctuary for elephants where they are respected as family, not performers. Our goal is to bridge the gap between humans and giants through empathy and education. We believe that by fostering a true understanding of the complexities of captive elephant care, we can create a sustainable future for these magnificent creatures.

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

					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://www.elefriendhome.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  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				
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<img decoding="async" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-l/1a/f6/f4/5d/default-avatar-2020-32.jpg" alt="avatar thumb" class="wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4" loading="lazy"/>Anita S
21/12/2025 

					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://www.elefriendhome.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  Amazing experience  - Just LOVED this experience. The animals are not stressed, they enjoy being fed and showered and the crew was amazing! Definitely a must do				
<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://www.elefriendhome.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_outline.png" alt="tripadvisor logo" class="wptripadvisor_t1_tripadvisor_logo">
<img decoding="async" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-l/1a/f6/eb/6d/default-avatar-2020-19.jpg" alt="avatar thumb" class="wptripadvisor_t1_IMG_4" loading="lazy"/>Hanelie G
10/12/2025 

					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://www.elefriendhome.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-tripadvisor-review-slider/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="star rating" class="wptripadvisor_t1_star_img_file">  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				
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06/12/2025 

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.