Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Choeng Thale

This visit was NOT what I had expected!

Our family chose to visit the elephant sanctuary as we thought it was the best way to visit these kind creatures. We thought they would be walking around freely and not on short ropes.

The elephants were in fact behind gated spaces until they are practically forced for the visitor activities. They are being taken advantage of and are not protected from abuse. As soon as I walked in, I felt awkward and strange to see them gated up in sections of the park.

Unfortunately, on our visit an incident happened Wednesday 22nd March 2023, where we saw a baby elephant run into the porch but not sure for what reason - the reason doesn’t matter.

What matters is how the baby elephant was treated afterward. A keeper pulled the baby away from the porch aggressively into a gated area and was shouting at them. The keeper then started to repeatedly whack the poor baby elephant on the head. The baby elephant was whimpering and was obviously in destress from the shouting and hitting. We could all see that the poor mother was also in distress from the way that the poor baby was being treated.

Everyone in the sanctuary witnessed this incident and I could see on the visitors faces that they were concerned, upset and disgusted that a keeper would do this.

This is absolutely unacceptable behaviour, especially for a place that advertises as ‘no abuse’!

I was incredibly upset after witnessing what had happened and questioned the morals of the sanctuary and whether this sort of abuse or worse happens behind closed doors.

The fact this keeper did not even care that he was being aggressive to the baby elephant in front of all the visitors makes me question whether he even cares about the well-being of the elephants at all or should even be working at the sanctuary with the elephants with this type of toxic behaviour.

I admit that I should have done more research and thought that the sanctuary may be a place to help the elephants have a better life if they have been rescued.

I am incredibly saddened to see that the keepers of this sanctuary that are responsible for the elephants, don’t actually care about the elephants well-being.

It’s a complete shame that this particular keeper of the baby elephant does not have the same kind heart - who knows what the other keepers are like and if this is some that happens regularly!

Lastly, I want to give Mila, our guide, a special thanks. She was incredibly helpful, kind and I felt like she was the only other person who truly cares about the...

I wish there’s a function for no stars, because this place deserves none.

DO NOT COME HERE. This place is nothing but lies.

Elephant Retirement Park Phuket and Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket ARE OWNED BY THE SAME PEOPLE. At first, I was giving Elephant Retirement Park Phuket benefit of the doubt because the last 1-star was from 2 years ago. Before I actually applied to their programs, I paid a visit to the location. When I was there during my initial visit, I talked to the staff because I was not able to apply on the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket website. Then the staff told me he owned both the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket and Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket, and he told me to use the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket website to apply for their programs.

PLEASE NOTE THAT Elephant Retirement Park Phuket and Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary Phuket ARE THE SAME. PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT NEITHER OF THEM.

The park sign and their Elephant Retirement Park Phuket brochure marked “STRICTLY NO ABUSE,” but all I saw and heard were heart-breaking elephant pulling and yelling. Just simply because the parks offer no riding, it doesn’t mean the park and the mahouts are treating the elephants right.

Midway during my half day afternoon program, I couldn’t help myself to question my tour guide why the mahout kept yelling at the elephant, the tour guide simply answered “I don’t know.”

How could a place claiming itself as an elephant sanctuary turn such a blind eye to animal abuse like this?

I was so upset midway and had an urge to just storm out of my group, but I know I must stay with them and make actual record of how badly they really treat the elephants.

The mahouts didn’t only yell at the elephants. I saw one mahout holding a long metal stick, chasing after and threatening to hit an elephant if the elephant wasn’t following what was demanded to do.

And it only got worse and even more heart breaking when I saw a mahout pulling an elephant’s ear. Elephants’ skin is very sensitive. Their ears are commonly targeted when they’re tortured by being pulled and hooked.

PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Otherwise, we’re only sponsoring further elephant torturing and...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Life-Changing Experience – Ethical, Heartwarming, and Unforgettable!

Visiting the Elephant Rescue in Phuket was hands down one of the most incredible and emotional experiences of my entire life. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the kindest staff who clearly have an immense love and respect for the elephants. You can feel the compassion in every interaction — not just with us, but especially with the animals.

What sets this place apart is how ethically and lovingly the elephants are treated. These beautiful creatures are truly free — no riding, no chains, no forced performances. Just pure care and respect. It’s not a tourist show, it’s a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word.

The experience itself was beyond amazing. We got to stand right next to the elephants, hug them, feed them, and even give them a kiss! We walked alongside them through a beautiful jungle path and helped give them a mud spa and bath — a moment of pure joy and connection. Watching them play, splash, and enjoy themselves without a worry in the world was so moving.

Every activity was not only fun but also educational. You learn so much about the elephants’ individual stories and the efforts this rescue puts into giving them a second chance at a happy, peaceful life.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s both magical and meaningful — this is it. I left with a full heart, muddy clothes, and memories I’ll cherish forever. I can’t recommend this place enough. If you care about animals and want to support real ethical tourism, do...