ELEPHANT KINGDOM
SANCTUARY
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Samui Elephant Kingdom! Nestled in the lively heart of Koh Samui, we've crafted a sanctuary that's a true paradise for elephants. Here, they're free to be their magnificent selves, far from the burdens they once shouldered in the tourism industry.
Prepare to be moved as you witness the extraordinary bond between our elephants and their mahouts. It's a friendship that's all about mutual respect and overflowing with love. It's a testament to the incredible connection that can exist between humans and animals.
Experience the thrill of our innovative Skywalk, where you can watch our elephants as they roam, feast, play, and revel in the sheer joy of life. It's a unique way to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, without disturbing their peace.
And when you join us on a tour, you're not just a spectator - you're part of the herd. You'll follow the elephants' lead, learning from them, understanding them, and respecting their space. It's an experience that's as enlightening as it is exhilarating.
So, are you ready to be inspired? Ready to feel the magic of Samui Elephant Kingdom? Come and witness the joy of seeing our elephants live freely, and join us in our mission to create a better world for these magnificent creatures. Welcome to our kingdom, where every day is a celebration of life and elephants truly rule!
THE KINGDOM
PROMISE
At Samui Elephant Kingdom, we're all about love, compassion, and positive vibes. We care for our elephants with heaps of kindness and positive reinforcement.
And when you join us on a tour, you're in for a unique experience. You see, our tours aren't led by us - they're led by our elephant family.
So come along, and let our herd show you their world, their way.
It's an adventure you won't forget!
FREEDOM
COMMITMENT
At Samui Elephant Kingdom, our commitment to the welfare of our elephants is guided by the internationally recognized 5 Freedoms for Animals. These principles form the cornerstone of our approach to elephant care, ensuring that our elephants live the best life possible.
HUNGER | THIRST
We ensure our elephants always have access to fresh water and a healthy diet. They're free to forage naturally, enjoying a diverse and balanced diet that keeps them healthy and satisfied.
DISCOMFORT
Our sanctuary is designed with the comfort of our elephants in mind. They have plenty of shade and shelter to protect them from the elements, and comfortable resting areas where they can relax and sleep.
PAIN | INJURY | DISEASE
We prioritize the health of our elephants. We're proactive about preventative care, and we're quick to diagnose and treat any health issues. Our elephants' health and well-being are always our top priority.
FEAR | DISTRESS
We treat our elephants with kindness, respect, and understanding. We strive to create an environment that's safe, secure, and stress-free, where our elephants can feel at ease.
EXPLOITATION
Our elephants have plenty of space to roam, explore, and engage in natural behaviors. They live in the company of their own kind, allowing them to form social bonds and interact as they would in the wild.
THE
BEGINNING
The story of Samui Elephant Kingdom is one that is deeply rooted in love, respect, and a profound understanding of elephants. This sanctuary, a beacon of hope for elephants, was brought to life by Chokchai Rueangsri, a man whose life has been intertwined with these majestic creatures for as long as he can remember. Born into a family that has been caring for elephants for generations, Chokchai's journey with these gentle giants began at a very young age.
In the past, the elephants of his family were the shining stars of Koh Samui's tourism industry, their days filled with trekking adventures and performances for eager tourists. But even as a child, Chokchai felt a deep, unspoken bond with these elephants. He saw beyond their physical strength and endurance, into their gentle souls, and he knew that there had to be a better way for them to live.
This sense of connection stirred something within him, sparking a journey of discovery and understanding. As he delved deeper into the world of elephants, he came face to face with a heartbreaking reality - the elephants that were being used for tourism were suffering. The stress of captivity and exploitation was taking a toll on their health, leading to weakened immune systems and a state of depression.
This realization was a turning point for Chokchai. He knew that he had to do something to change the fate of these beautiful creatures. And so, the seeds of Samui Elephant Kingdom were sown. A place where elephants could live in peace, free from exploitation, and where their happiness and well-being were the top priority. A place where the story of each elephant was one of hope and healing, rather than suffering and exploitation.
THE
JOURNEY
As the years rolled on, Chokchai's heart grew heavy with a sense of injustice. He saw the exploitation of these magnificent creatures intensifying, as the demands of the tourism industry grew ever more relentless. But within him, a dream was taking shape - a dream of a sanctuary where elephants could live in peace, free from chains and fear.
In 2019, this dream took its first breath of life. The Samui Elephant Kingdom was born, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Over the next three years, time, effort, and resources were poured into creating a haven for these gentle giants. Here, they could finally break free from their chains, retire from service, and begin to rediscover their instinctive behaviors without fear.
But the journey doesn't stop there. Our commitment to the wellbeing of elephants is unwavering, and our latest endeavor is a testament to this. We are currently in the process of building a state-of-the-art elephant clinic, a beacon of hope for all elephants in the area. Staffed by a veterinarian with specialist skills, this clinic will ensure the very best care for our elephant family.
At Samui Elephant Kingdom, we believe in a world where elephants are not just seen, but truly understood and cared for. A world where their needs are met, their spirits are free, and their lives are filled with the joy and peace they so richly deserve. We invite you to join us on this journey, to be a part of this dream, and to help us create a brighter future for these incredible creatures.
THE
FUTURE
As we look towards the future, our hearts are filled with hope and our minds with plans to further enhance the lives of our elephant family. One of our most exciting projects currently in progress is the construction of a purpose-built elephant clinic. This state-of-the-art facility will be available to all elephants in the area, ensuring they receive the highest standard of medical care. Staffed by a veterinarian with specialist skills, this clinic is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of these magnificent creatures.
But our dreams for the future don't stop there. We also plan to build a night enclosure, a safe and comfortable space where our elephants can rest and sleep, shielded from the elements. This enclosure will provide protection from the cold rain and dew, ensuring our elephants are comfortable and secure at all times.
At Samui Elephant Kingdom, we believe that every step we take towards improving the lives of our elephants is a step towards a brighter, more compassionate world. We invite you to join us on this journey, to share in our dreams, and to help us turn these dreams into reality. Together, we can create a sanctuary where elephants are not just cared for, but truly loved and cherished.
THE
MAHOUTS
The role of a mahout is steeped in history, tracing back thousands of years. This noble profession, traditionally passed down from father to son, is a testament to the deep bond between humans and elephants. Many of our mahouts hail from families where caring for elephants is a cherished tradition, with some having been mahouts since their teenage years.
Our mahouts are the heart and soul of Samui Elephant Kingdom. Their dedication, love, and care for our elephants are the pillars upon which our sanctuary stands. They have journeyed with us through a transformative process, embracing the principles of positive reinforcement and kindness. Their gentle and caring approach is instrumental in ensuring the happiness of our elephant family.
At Samui Elephant Kingdom, we are more than just a team - we are a family. Our mahouts and elephants are integral members of this family, each one cherished and respected. We stand together, united in our mission to provide the best possible life for our elephants.
Being a mahout is more than a job; it's a calling, almost a spiritual practice. Each month, our head mahout performs a beautiful ceremony known as Pakam Chang. This ritual honors our elephant herd and their ancestors, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep respect and reverence we hold for these magnificent creatures.
When you visit Samui Elephant Kingdom, you're not just meeting our elephants; you're also getting to know our incredible mahouts. You're witnessing the powerful bond between them and understanding the deep commitment that drives us all to create a sanctuary where elephants can live freely and happily.
GET IN TOUCH
Samui Elephant Kingdom, Ko Samui, Thailand, Surat Thani
(+66) 94-389-7579 ,(+66) 88-846-1888
