Samui Elephant Sanctuary was the first Sanctuary to be opened. Since opening, it has expanded due more and more tourists visiting enabling the sanctuary to rescue more elephants for Samui Elephant Sanctuary.
This has only been possible because of the interest and charity funding from tourists and local companies donating funds.
I was fortunate to have been invited to visit Samui Elephant Sanctuary, to see what great work they do here. The whole experience was simply wonderful, I felt very blessed to meet these beautiful creatures.
The sanctuary tour starts which a video giving an insight about why the 1st Samui Elephant Sanctuary was opened, safety procedures and how to correctly feed the elephants.
An introduction to the 6 guides located in the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. The group is then spilt into 6 small groups and have a dedicated English speaking guide.
Before walking into the sanctuary, the staff allow time for the visitors to meet the elephants and build confidence around them, but feeding them bananas and cucumbers. A brilliant idea and important because I witnessed lots of visitors very scared to approach the elephants. By the end of the exercise everybody was feeling safe around the elephants and happy to walk through the sanctuary.
At Samui Elephant Sanctuary they are free to walk freely around. No chains, no hooks, no riding just freedom and most definitely a safe haven.
Around the sanctuary is a large pool area, for the elephants to cool down, and wash. I was fortunate to see the oldest female elephant of 62 yrs, stroll into the pool, and clearly enjoy her time. You can view this on my video below.
A mud area has been made, with water regularly running to keep the mud soft for the elephants to roll, play and cool down.
Currently there are 6 elephants the youngest 49 years and oldest 62 years old and all female. Female elephants are only permitted because mixing with males can cause aggression. In the future they plan for the expansion and can rescue males in the new sanctuary currently under construction.
Given is a large food bag, upon meeting each elephant you have the opportunity to feed them. Your guide will give you an insight of each elephants working life, and injuries they have sustained during their working life.
Each elephant has its own working history, but they all where made to work for the tourism Industry for elephant riding, logging and Circus until they are older, then shipped out for elephants trekking.
This is sad, but very real which must be stopped. Sanctuaries like Samui Elephant Sanctuary around Thailand are now making this possible, however a long way to go.
The 3 hour tour at the sanctuary was very informative, gave in insight to how these creatures have spend their lives since being born into this environment and it is apparent that all the staff at Samui Elephant Sanctuary, care and love the elephants.
If coming to Thailand or Samui and want to be close to elephants please do so at Samui Elephant Sanctuary where the elephants are free to walk around with you, that is an elephants experience for sure.
If you would like more information, or to book a tour please contact Samui Explorer at info@samuiislandexplorer.com or book via the link below
Thank you for taking time to read my blog about my wonderful experience at Samui Elephant Sanctuary!
