Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) — Attraction in Phetchaburi Province

It was an absolutely fantastic, impressive, informative day. It is absolutely essential to make a reservation if you want to visit — otherwise, you won’t see any animals, and walk-ins are not possible. We booked five days in advance and there was only one slot left for the entire week. This is clearly explained on their website, so anyone who takes the time to read it will know. People who don’t check and then complain (as some reviewers here do) really have only themselves to blame.

Signage could be better: when you arrive at the entrance, follow the small signs to the lodge, which can be easily overseen. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the reserve entrance. We had to ask several staff members along the way before we found it. Once there, everything was perfectly organized, and they were expecting us.

The lodge has a terrace with a restaurant and a small kiosk selling snacks and drinks at normal, reasonable prices — not the tourist-gouging you see elsewhere. From the terrace, you can already see the first elephants up close.

One thing that baffled me: despite clear signs and repeated instructions, some people still tried to feed the elephants whatever they had, even holding small children or babies over the wall. Some did it again the moment the park rangers turned their backs after warning them. If anything happens, it will of course be “the bad elephants.” Personally, I’d kick such people out without warning.

Also clearly stated on the website: all tours are in English. We booked the full-day tour, with little children; it was easy enough to translate for the little ones.

After a short introduction to the park, we set off in open buses to see various rescue areas — monkeys, several species of deer, bears, tortoises, and more. Each animal comes with its rescue story. Many are not native to Thailand and cannot be released back into the wild, so they live here in large enclosures.

The monkeys and gibbons go through several stages: quarantine cages, socialization with other monkeys, and finally release onto a large, natural island in the reserve as the last step before reintroduction to the wild. There are parts where you have to walk through the grounds, so bring water and insect repellent — again, all explained on the website, so no excuses for later complaints. The website also mentions that this is temple ground and temple-appropriate clothing is required — however, in reality, regular clothing was fine and there was no dress code enforced.

Lunch was a small buffet with rice, chicken skewers, and Thai curry — not a huge selection, but tasty, fresh, and more than enough.

In the afternoon, we visited the big cats’ enclosures — the tigers are truly impressive — and saw more elephants. The day ended with feeding two blind elephants, who rely on humans to bring them fruit.

Overall, it was incredibly moving to see the animals so close. The park even has a modern animal hospital and two very modern animal ambulance cars. The staff are clearly dedicated, and the grounds are well maintained. The tour guides were more than happy to answer all our questions.

We felt far more comfortable here than at the many other “attractions” where you can ride elephants in chains or pet sedated tigers. Here, you get the feeling that animal welfare is genuinely the priority — and we were more than happy to pay the slightly higher...

First and foremost, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is not a zoo—it’s an animal rehabilitation centre that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have suffered abuse and mistreatment. Here, you won’t be petting or feeding animals. Instead, you’ll witness the incredible work being done to give these creatures a second chance at life. Visiting WFFT requires booking and paying for a tour, but this experience is worth every moment and penny, as you are directly supporting the rehabilitation of these magnificent animals.

The animals here come from heartbreaking backgrounds: elephants once forced to beg on the streets, animals rescued from the notorious Phuket Zoo, bears saved from bear bile farms, and tigers from horrific breeding camps. It’s difficult to hear their stories, but what’s uplifting is seeing the effort that the WFFT team puts into rehabilitating them. Many are released back into the wild, while those too traumatised are provided with a peaceful and comfortable life for the rest of their days. The dedication of the staff and volunteers is nothing short of inspirational.

WFFT doesn’t stop at helping animals. They make a huge impact on the local community by employing over 120 locals and working with nearby farmers to source sustainable and ethical produce to feed the animals. They even offer free veterinary services to the surrounding areas, making them a true force for good both for wildlife and people.

For those who take the full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch that caters to all dietary needs, served at their lovely lodge. The lodge, which also offers comfortable accommodation, is home to rescue cats and dogs, now living in comfort, cared for by the staff and adored by the guests.

Here’s why it’s so important to visit places like WFFT: Thailand’s wildlife is under threat from exploitative tourism. Far too many places that claim to be “sanctuaries” are actually abusing animals behind the scenes. If you’ve ever seen opportunities to take photos with elephants or tigers, know that these animals are often drugged and kept in horrible conditions. Even some animal shows that claim to be safe hide cruel practices. WFFT stands as a true sanctuary, and by visiting, you are supporting the right kind of care—care that prioritises the well-being and dignity of animals over profits.

Choosing to visit WFFT and other genuine rehabilitation centres ensures that your tourism dollars go towards supporting ethical animal treatment. It’s not just a tour—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference while experiencing Thailand’s incredible wildlife in the most responsible and meaningful way. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that aligns with compassionate travel, WFFT is the...

WFFT is truly an incredible place. I volunteered here for two weeks and also joined the tour on one of my days off. Out of the 40 days I spent in Thailand, this experience was by far the highlight of my trip. I’ve been searching for a sanctuary that genuinely cares for animals, without profiting off volunteers or tourists, and it took me a while to discover WFFT. Unlike many other so-called “sanctuaries,” WFFT doesn’t spend money on marketing through Google, which is likely why it took some time to find.

At first, 640€ for two weeks might seem like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay for what you’re supporting. Your contribution covers not just your food and accommodation, but more importantly, the significant daily costs of caring for over 800 animals from hundreds of species. There has been a huge investment in state-of-the-art veterinary equipment, as well as a dedicated team of vets and staff who guide volunteers and care for the animals—particularly the animals that can be more dangerous. The permanent staff are incredibly passionate about what they do, and the sanctuary couldn’t operate without their commitment and this extends to the cooks and housekeeping support team.

It’s important to understand that the animals in enclosures are there because they can’t survive on their own in the wild. They are given plenty of space and enrichment to ensure they live happy and safe lives.

If you’re a volunteer wondering whether WFFT is truly “making a difference,” rest assured it is. The founder, Edwin, has rescued thousands of animals who’ve endured horrific abuse at the hands of cruel zookeepers and exploitative tourism operators. There are no chains or ropes here—every animal is monitored and cared for around the clock, with daily enrichment to keep themselves occupied.

The sanctuary operates with a strict hands-off policy when it comes to the animals, so don’t expect to be cuddling exotic species. Any issues that arise are handled swiftly. Having said that, there are many dogs around the centre that have been rescued and treated by vets, who now reside there, so you will always be able to hang out with them! If you find a sanctuary where holding/petting wildlife animals is a part of the program, unless you are a vet or a vet student under professional supervision, stay away. As a volunteer, the accommodation is simple, but it builds character if you’ve been staying in fancy hostels/hotels. I’ve made amazing friends during my time here and hope to return one day to volunteer again....