Elephants are majestic animals that have captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world. Unfortunately, these incredible creatures have long been subject to abuse and exploitation, particularly in the tourism industry.
Elephant sanctuaries have emerged as a more ethical and sustainable way to interact with these animals and learn about elephant conservation. In this article, we will explore why it is worth visiting an elephant sanctuary, what to look for in a good sanctuary, and our review of a visit to the Samui Elephant Haven in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Why visit an elephant sanctuary?
There are several reasons why visiting such a place is worth your time and money. First and foremost, elephant sanctuaries provide a safe and natural environment for these animals to live in. This is the main purpose for which they were created. Many elephants used for tourism are subjected to abuse and neglect, and sanctuaries offer a chance for them to live out the rest of their lives in a peaceful and safe setting.
Visiting such a place also provides an opportunity to learn about these incredible animals and the challenges they face in the wild. Sanctuaries often provide educational programs that focus on elephant conservation and the importance of protecting these animals. This is especially important given the ongoing threats that elephants face, such as habitat loss and poaching.
What to look for in a good elephant sanctuary?
When choosing an elephant sanctuary to visit, it is important to look for certain key features. One of the most important factors is the sanctuary’s commitment to elephant welfare. A good sanctuary should have a strict “no hooks, no chains” policy and should not allow visitors to ride the elephants. The sanctuary should also provide ample space for the elephants to roam and forage in a natural environment.
Another important factor to consider is the sanctuary’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. A good sanctuary should prioritize environmental sustainability and should have measures in place to reduce its environmental impact.
Our review of the Elephant Haven in Koh Samui
The Elephant Haven in Koh Samui is a great example of a place that prioritizes elephant welfare and environmental sustainability. During our visit to this place, we were impressed by the sanctuary’s commitment to providing a safe and natural environment for the elephants. The elephants were free to roam and forage, and visitors were not allowed to ride them or participate in any activities that may cause them distress.
The best part of visiting this place was being able to interact with the animals. We prepared a meal for elephants consisting of fodder (similar to that for horses), rice, bananas, and other fruits. Then we fed the elephants. It was really amazing!
The sanctuary also provided educational programs about elephant conservation and the importance of protecting these animals. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and they were happy to answer any questions we had about the elephants and the sanctuary.
Overall, our visit to the Elephant Haven in Koh Samui was a wonderful experience. We were impressed by their’s commitment to elephant welfare and environmental sustainability, and we learned a great deal about these incredible animals and the challenges they face. We highly recommend a visit to this sanctuary for anyone interested in learning more about elephants and supporting ethical and sustainable tourism.
