“Elephant conservation is of the utmost importance to us, and our elephants’ welfare is our main goal.”
Is Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve an ethical elephant sanctuary?
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is an award-winning, accredited, and 100% ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to education, sustainability, and exceptional elephant care. We strictly follow a no riding, no bathing, and hands-off policy, allowing visitors to respectfully feed (non-directly), meet, and observe our rescued elephants as they roam, play in the mud, and splash in the water across our 30 rai of lush jungle land. We adhere to internationally recognized nutrition, veterinary care, and sustainability guidelines to ensure a humane and natural environment where elephants can thrive.
Where do the elephants at your sanctuary come from?
Our elephants have been rescued from industries such as elephant riding, logging, and circus performances, where they suffered from overwork and mistreatment. Each rescued elephant has a unique story of resilience. Our mission is to provide them with a peaceful, loving home where they can recover and thrive. Meet our elephants here.
Do you allow elephant riding?
No, absolutely not. Elephant riding is harmful, as it involves cruel training methods such as “phajaan” (the crush), which breaks an elephant’s spirit through physical abuse. Over time, riding leads to long-term health issues and deformities. At PENR, we promote ethical interactions that respect the elephants’ well-being. Learn more here.
Do you allow elephant bathing?
No, we do not allow elephant bathing, as it is unnatural, unhygienic, and unethical. In many tourist attractions, elephant bathing forces repetitive, unnatural interactions, leading to stress and disruption of their well-being. At PENR, we provide a safe space where elephants can bathe, swim, and play in the water on their own terms, just as they would in the wild. Visitors can observe these natural behaviors from a respectful distance. Read more here.
How do you care for the elephants?
Our elephants receive 24/7 care from experienced mahouts (elephant caretakers), veterinarians, and support staff. Their care includes a nutritious diet, enrichment activities, social interactions, regular vet checkups, and plenty of space to roam and just be elephants!
What do the elephants eat daily?
Elephants eat for up to 18 hours a day! Each elephant consumes approximately 200–300 kg of food daily, including natural jungle vines, bananas, sugarcane, bamboo, grasses, and supplemental nutrition. Enrichment feeding activities keep them mentally stimulated while ensuring a balanced diet. Support our elephants here.
Large natural areas for roaming freely.
Regular veterinary checkups and medical care.
Enrichment activities such as mud baths, swimming, and foraging.
Social interaction with other elephants (for those who enjoy companionship).
We are situated on 30 rai of lush jungle near Bangtao and Layan beaches on Phuket’s west coast.
Address:
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
100/12 Moo 7
Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang District, Phuket
Yes! We highly recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season (November–April), as we work hard to maintain small group sizes to minimize stress on the elephants and maximize personal experiences.
Yes! For the Half-Day Elephant Adventure, transportation is available at a supplement of THB 500 for adults and THB 250 for children (4-12 years old). Simply select the transport option when booking online.
For the Short 90-Minute Elephant Adventure, transportation is not included. Recommended options:
We believe in respectful, observation-based interactions. You can feed and walk alongside the elephants, but we never force interactions. Bathing is not allowed, but you may see them enjoying a swim on their own!
Each visit includes an educational tour, elephant feeding, and guided observation.
Yes! We welcome visitors of all ages. There are shaded rest areas, and our staff is happy to assist elderly guests. Our kid-friendly zone features a trampoline, swings, and a seesaw!
Yes!
Feel free to take photos and videos, but please avoid using flash, as it can startle the elephants. Our guides are happy to help capture great moments for you!
Yes! Our Observation Deck Restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM (last orders at 4:30 PM). Learn more here.
Why do some elephants have mahouts nearby?
Mahouts (traditional elephant caretakers) share a deep bond with their elephants and are responsible for their daily care. During visits, mahouts may stay nearby to ensure both visitor and elephant safety.
How do you support conservation efforts?
We work with local farmers, conservation groups, and schools to promote elephant-friendly tourism. Supporting us helps create ethical jobs for mahouts and encourages sustainable practices in Phuket.
Do elephants at the sanctuary ever return to the wild?
Most of our elephants cannot be released into the wild, as they were born in captivity or spent decades in human care. However, we provide them with a safe, natural environment where they can live freely without fear of exploitation.
We are funded through visitor programs, which support elephant care, food, medical needs, staff salaries, and rescues. Learn more here.
Yes! Sponsor an elephant with a monthly donation to provide food, medical care, and enrichment. One-time donations are also appreciated. Get involved here.
Thank you for being part of the movement to protect elephants!