Phuket is famous for its turquoise seas, soft, sandy beaches, vibrant local culture, and lively nightlife. But there’s much more to our beautiful island beyond the tourist hotspots. Phuket is home to lush rainforests, teeming coral reefs, endangered species, and dedicated organisations working tirelessly to protect its fragile ecosystems.
For travellers who care about making a positive impact, exploring wildlife conservation in Phuket is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the place we call home. From visiting an elephant sanctuary in Phuket to learning about gibbon rehabilitation and marine turtle protection, there are numerous opportunities to experience our island responsibly while supporting causes that truly matter.
Scroll down to find out more! And if you have any questions about our ethical elephant activities in Phuket at any point, please feel free to contact us.
Why Wildlife and Nature Conservation Matter in Phuket
Tourism is vital to the Phuket we know and love today, but it has also placed pressure on our island’s environment. Rapid development, habitat destruction, and plastic waste have threatened both land and marine life. This is something we cover in more detail in our blog What is the Dark Side of Tourism in Phuket?
Without strong Phuket nature conservation efforts, species such as elephants, gibbons, and sea turtles risk being lost to future generations. Supporting conservation projects not only helps protect endangered animals but also ensures the island’s natural beauty remains intact. For many visitors, choosing ethical wildlife experiences in Phuket turns a holiday into something more meaningful — an opportunity to give back while creating memories that last a lifetime.
If this sounds like the kind of holiday you want to take, we think you will appreciate reading our blog Responsible Travel in Phuket: Supporting Local Communities and Conservation Efforts when you have finished here.
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve: Ethical Care for Gentle Giants
At the heart of Phuket’s conservation movement is our very own Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve (PENR). As an ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket and a proud member of Wild Animal Rescue Network Asia, we rescue and care for elephants that have suffered from neglect and abuse for years. Our elephants now live freely in a natural forest environment, without chains, forced bathing, or performances, where visitors can observe them simply being elephants, just as nature intended.
We offer guided experiences that prioritise education and respect, giving you the chance to learn about our elephants’ stories and watch them thrive in peace. A visit to PENR is one of the most ethical wildlife experiences in Phuket, and every entrance fee supports the ongoing care of these incredible animals.
Browse our full range of Phuket elephant tours and find the perfect fit for your needs.
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project: Giving Voices Back to the Forest
High up near Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in the north of Phuket, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has been restoring hope to one of Thailand’s most endangered primates since the 1980s. For decades, gibbons were taken from the wild to be used in the illegal pet trade or as tourist props. The project works to rescue, rehabilitate, and, where possible, release these animals back into the forest.
To date, this incredible cause has rescued around 400 gibbons and released another 100 back into the wild!
Visitors can learn about gibbon rehabilitation in Phuket, see the impact of the work firsthand, and understand why protecting the rainforest is vital for the survival of this species. It’s an inspiring stop for anyone interested in meaningful Phuket conservation projects.
Please note that you can only visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project if you have pre-booked a learning session or arrive in time for a scheduled session. The project is otherwise closed and not accessible outside of these sessions.
Keen to learn more about this amazing initiative? Check out our blog Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Phuket’s Last Rainforest.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: Protecting Phuket’s Last Virgin Rainforest
Phuket has just one remaining stretch of untouched rainforest, and it lies within Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. This lush reserve covers an area of 23 km² in Thalang District and is home to wild gibbons (the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is based here), langurs, boars, mouse deer, exotic birdlife, and countless plant species. With walking trails leading to Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls, it’s also one of the best eco-friendly things to do in Phuket.
By visiting the park, you’re supporting efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem from encroaching development. Unfortunately, there are no public transportation options for visiting the park, so you will need to arrange your own transportation if you plan to visit.
Are you looking for more ways to experience our island’s stunning natural scenery? Find out more about our Private Guided Adventure Hikes in Phuket, where our team leads you through picturesque trails while sharing insights into local flora and fauna.
Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation: Safeguarding Phuket’s Sea Turtles
Along Phuket’s northern coastline, the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation works tirelessly to protect one of our island’s most ancient residents: the sea turtle. These majestic creatures have been laying eggs on Phuket’s beaches for generations, but their numbers have declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and fishing practices.
The foundation’s conservation programmes focus on nest protection, rehabilitation of injured turtles, and community education. If a safe nesting environment cannot be guaranteed on a beach, they will transfer any eggs laid there to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) and the Royal Thai Navy, both of whom provide a secure home until they hatch. The young turtles are then given time to gain strength before finding their true home in the sea.
If you visit during nesting season (November to February), you may even witness a turtle release — an unforgettable reminder of why Phuket sustainable travel matters. Supporting this project helps secure a future for these magnificent animals.
Soi Dog Foundation: Changing the Lives of Phuket’s Stray Animals
One of the most recognised animal welfare organisations in Asia, the Soi Dog Foundation Phuket is known for its life-changing work with stray dogs and cats — so, while this isn’t wildlife conservation as such, it’s an incredibly worthy cause. Through sterilisation, rescue, and adoption programmes, the foundation reduces suffering and improves the welfare of thousands of animals every year.
Visitors are welcome to tour the shelter and see how their work is making a real difference. Volunteering opportunities are also available, offering travellers a chance to give back in a direct and meaningful way. Supporting the Soi Dog Foundation is not only one of the most impactful Phuket conservation projects but also a deeply rewarding experience for animal lovers.
Looking for more things to do in the north of Phuket? Check out our picks for the best things to do in Mai Khao!
How Visitors Can Support Conservation in Phuket
Supporting wildlife conservation in Phuket doesn’t require a huge commitment; it often starts with the choices you make during your stay. Consider these simple steps to help play your part:
- Choose ethical wildlife experiences in Phuket, such as visiting sanctuaries instead of shows or rides.
- Reduce plastic use to help protect marine life. Having a reusable water bottle is an easy first step!
- Visit national parks and conservation centres where entrance fees support ongoing projects.
- Donate to or volunteer with reputable organisations like PENR, the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, or Soi Dog Foundation Phuket.
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodation where possible and book experiences with sustainable travel providers.
As we near the end of this guide, let us point you toward another that our nature enthusiast visitors find rewarding — Bird Watching in Phuket: A Guide to Local Species. It’s filled with unmissable tips and insights for anyone looking to learn more about our island’s amazing array of avian species.
Book Your Ethical Elephant Activities in Phuket with PENR
Phuket’s beauty lies not only in its beaches but in the rich biodiversity that calls our island home. By supporting Phuket nature conservation projects, you help protect elephants, gibbons, sea turtles, and countless other species, while ensuring future generations can enjoy the same wonders we do.
If you’d like to experience conservation firsthand, join us on one of our ethical elephant activities in Phuket. Simply browse our experiences and see which makes the best fit for you. Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please just get in touch for the answers you need.
