Elephants are emblematic of Thailand, appearing in clothing, beer labels, and temples across the country. The desire to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat is quite natural.
Thailand is home to about 5,000 elephants, with around 4,000 of those in captivity. Unfortunately, owning an elephant is not illegal, although it comes with a hefty price tag. Young elephants, around two to three years old, can sell for approximately $150,000, a staggering amount in Thailand. Once a owner makes such an investment, they often seek to profit from it, leading to the exploitation of these elephants for work in agriculture, heavy transport, landmines clearance, or tourism.
Where to See Elephants in Thailand: Ethical Sanctuaries Explained
With the rise of tourism, ethical tourism sanctuaries have emerged, but determining which are genuinely ethical can be challenging.
Are All Sanctuaries Ethical?
Not all sanctuaries are ethical. The term “ethical sanctuary” is sometimes misused, serving rather as a form of greenwashing. Many places are more akin to zoos and use the claim of rescuing elephants from difficult situations to attract tourists. However, they often continue to exploit these elephants’ learned behaviors for commercial gain. For instance:
- Elephants may have been trained for circus-like performances and can still be seen performing tasks for tourists.
- Tourists may interact with elephants in ways that keep these animals dependent on human presence, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation.
Understanding Elephant Training Practices
Training elephants to interact with humans is not akin to training domestic pets. Instead of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement is often applied. This can include:
- Physical force or punishment to train elephants
- Separating young elephants from their mothers prematurely, affecting their well-being
Identifying Ethical Sanctuaries
It can be fairly easy to spot an unethical sanctuary. Here are some red flags:
- If promotional materials indicate you will feed, bathe, pet, or ride elephants, it’s likely unethical.
- Ethical sanctuaries avoid any interaction between tourists and elephants; they allow elephants to live naturally without human interference.
Observing Wild Elephants in Thailand
Wild elephants are estimated to number around 1,000 in northern Thailand. Unlike zoos, sightings are not guaranteed and require trekking into remote areas of the jungle. This experience is akin to an African safari.
Recommended Ethical Sanctuary: Chiang Chill
Currently, there are only 12 certified ethical sanctuaries in Thailand. One such place is Chiang Chill, just outside Chiang Mai. Their elephants, all females, range in age from 13 to 51. Here are some key features:
- Elephants have come from various working backgrounds, with each having a dedicated mahout caregiver.
- They live freely and their mahouts only use vocal commands without touching the animals.
- Feeding occurs at a specific time, where food is placed for elephants to eat independently.
Chiang Chill Experience Overview
Visitors can book their experience through the Chiang Chill website or via WhatsApp. It’s recommended to book 2-3 days in advance, as the sanctuary has a limit of 15 guests per visit. Here’s what the day entails:
- Transportation from your hotel to the sanctuary takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.
- You’ll hike through the jungle observing elephants from a safe distance, respecting their space.
- Lunch is provided, followed by the chance to cut sugar cane for the elephants.
- There are two experience options: a half-day and a full-day that includes an exploration of medicinal plants and food preparation for elephants.
| Sanctuary Name | Location | Age of Elephants | Type of Experience | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Chill | Near Chiang Mai | 13 to 51 years | Half |
