6 ethical animal experiences in Thailand

OAWK Team
March 3, 2025

Thailand’s animal sanctuaries go beyond an educational experience, as every visit helps support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Thailand’s animal sanctuaries offer a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation. Better yet, every dollar spent helps support the rescue and rehabilitation mission of the organisation behind it.

Today, there is growing recognition of the role responsible tourism plays in animal welfare. Thailand’s animal sanctuaries are often run by volunteers, providing vital medical care for animals rescued from exploitation, as well as refuge for those who can’t be returned to the wild.

When visiting Thailand with kids, volunteering for a shift shovelling elephant dung may no longer be on the cards. However, conscious travellers can still help these sanctuaries continue their vital work in protecting Thailand’s precious wildlife.

Booking an educational experience or day program at these sanctuaries is a great way to help. Not only will you give the kids an experience to remember, but your visit helps to feed, rehabilitate and protect the animals you meet along the way.

6 ethical animal sanctuaries to visit in Thailand

1. Elephant Hills, Khao Sok National Park

Discover the glory of the rainforest at eco-resort and sanctuary Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park. A superstar in sustainability, the park has been recognised in the Thailand Green Excellence Awards, National Geographic World Legacy Awards, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Responsible Tourism Awards.

‘Safaris’ here include bush glamping accommodation or a memorable stay in floating tents on Cheow Larn Lake. All activities centre Thai culture and ecology, from cultural performances by local school kids to canoe safaris and the Elephant Hills Elephant Experience, where you’ll learn all about their care.

2. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, Phetchaburi

Along with a conservation education programme, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) rescues animals from illegal poaching and provides them with lifelong care. You can visit their Wildlife Rescue Centre in Phetchaburi province to learn about their work, including the Elephant Refuge, Ape Rescue Centre, and Big Cat Rescue Centre, where tigers are rehabilitated.

In order to protect the animals, all experiences are strictly ‘hands off’–but volunteers can still get hands-on preparing delicious banana balls for elephant tucker during the full-day visit.

3. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Phuket

After Phuket’s wild gibbon population was poached to extinction, The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project stepped in to turn the tables. The project rescues these small apes—often targeted by the illegal pet trade—and prepares them for reintroduction to their natural habitat.

Tourists can support this vital mission by visiting the education centre to learn about these endangered primates. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the surrounding forest where you might spot rehabilitated gibbons, now living their best lives in the wild.

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4. Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES), Sukhothai

The touching story of this sanctuary begins with Katherine Connor, a woman from London, and the brave baby elephant named Boon Lott who inspired her. Today, that spirit of resilience has seen BLES blossom into a safe haven for over a dozen elephants.

Visitors can see the rescued animals as they re-learn how to forage, scratch, swim and socialise in a natural setting. Guest numbers are capped at 10 for a peaceful and intimate experience. BLES is located a short drive from the village of Baan Tuek in Sukhothai, and children of all ages are welcome.

5. Lanta Animal Welfare, Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta’s own ‘Kitty City’ is a must-visit for tourists – picture all the purrs and cuddles of a cat cafe, while knowing your visit helps rescue and rehome stray animals. Kids visiting Lanta Animal Welfare will also learn about the journey of a rescue pup, from admission to the doggy hospital through to finding their forever home.

Drop into the on-site shop for souvenirs or take a class with Time For Lime cooking school—all profits support the shelter’s operation. You can even sponsor a favourite cat or dog to receive updates on their adoption journey.

6. Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park is a spacious ‘retirement home’ for rescued Asian elephants. This sanctuary was a pioneer of ‘saddle off’ care, meaning these gentle giants aren’t tethered or ridden. Instead, visitors can see elephants free to be elephants: roaming freely, taking mud baths, foraging for native tucker and socialising with the herd.

Residents here include blind, injured, and elderly elephants, all of whom receive the highest standard of care. The sanctuary only takes a small number of visitors a day, so book ahead for a day trip or overnight program.

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How to support wildlife rescues in Thailand

'Adopt' an animal

For a special souvenir, many sanctuaries allow your family to symbolically ‘adopt’ or sponsor an animal. Your donation goes towards care and feeding, while you receive an adoption certificate to take home (perfect for show and tell!). Some organisations even send ongoing updates on your animal’s journey via email. Consider also purchasing locally-made, cruelty-free souvenirs from wildlife sanctuary gift shops. This supports both the sanctuary and local artisans in the community.

Sustainable tourism

Thailand’s animal sanctuaries are known for their harmonious integration of eco-friendly practices, including

Use of locally sourced food for animal diets
Responsible waste management systems
Rainwater harvesting for animal bathing and cleaning
Harnessing solar power for energy needs

These practices not only benefit the animals, but also minimise the sanctuary’s environmental impact.

Visit and share

Choose to visit facilities that prioritise animal welfare over entertainment. Opt for observation-only experiences rather than those offering rides or performances.

By sharing your experiences on social media, you help raise awareness about ethical sanctuaries. Sharing your experiences witnessing wildlife in natural settings, free from harm or exploitation, will inspire others to visit too.