ABOUT
About Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Welcome to Samui Elephant Sanctuary (SES), the first ethical, award-winning elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui, in Southern Thailand. Samui Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe and caring home to 14 rescued elephants, where they are free to live a more natural life and are cared for with kindness and dignity.
A New Chapter for Our Elephants
Every elephant at our sanctuary has a story. Many of them have endured harsh lives in the logging industry or as entertainers, working long hours giving rides to tourists. Today, they roam freely, foraging, socializing, and playing in a peaceful environment designed just for them. Their lives here reflect our mission: to provide a loving, natural home where these majestic giants can thrive, express their instincts, and receive the care and respect they deserve.
An Unforgettable Experience for Visitors
At Samui Elephant Sanctuary, we are proud to be at the forefront of ethical elephant tourism. Our tours offer more than just a glimpse into the lives of these incredible animals. Guests can feed the elephants, walk alongside them, and observe their playful behaviours in our purpose-built pool. Your visit is an opportunity to gain insights in the nature of elephants and learn why ethical elephant tourism is so important to their well-being.
Our Inspiration
Samui Elephant Sanctuary was inspired by the vision of Saengduean Lek Chailert, world-renowned elephant conservationist and founder of Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Lek’s advocacy for the humane treatment of elephants has sparked a global shift, encouraging traditional elephant camps to embrace the Saddle Off model promoted by Asian Elephant Projects - where elephants are free from riding and exploitation.
Our Growth and Recognition
Since opening our first sanctuary in Bophut in 2018, Samui Elephant Sanctuary has become a beacon of change, earning accolades including the Best Animal Welfare award for two consecutive years from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, UK and being recognized by World Animal Protection as a Best Practice Elephant Venue.
In January 2020, we expanded to a second location in Chaweng Noi on 40 rai of forested land, enabling us to rescue even more elephants so that they can enjoy a better life. None of this would have been possible without the overwhelming support of our visitors. We are deeply grateful for your help in making this dream a reality.
Listed as a Best Practice Elephant Venue
Winner Tripadvisor 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards
WITTAYA SALA-NGAM
Founder, Samui Elephant Sanctuary
SAENGDUEAN LEK CHAILERT
Founder of Elephant Nature Park
Lek was born in the small hill tribe village of Baan Lao, two hours north of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Her grandfather was a traditional healer, or shaman, and not only treated the people in his community, but would help heal the sick or injured animals that villagers would bring to him. Lek's grandfather sought to impart his knowledge of the plant and animal kingdom to Lek, which she gratefully received. Lek realized that all animals strive to be safe and happy and consequently became determined to spend her life saving animals. With a love and respect for her country’s national symbol, and the knowledge that elephants were often abused and exploited, Lek began advocating for the rights and welfare of Asian elephants and founded Elephant Nature Park, the first ethical elephant sanctuary and elephant rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai.
Lek has worked tirelessly to raise international awareness about the plight of both captive and wild Asian elephants. She has been influential in improving the lives of hundreds of elephants in Asia through educating elephant owners and helping them to transition away from elephant riding, performances, and other harmful practices, and instead, adopt the Saddle Off model based on compassion and respect.
Lek is an award-winning conservationist who has devoted her life to protecting elephants in Asia and advancing their welfare. Her work has received international acclaim and has been documented by National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, CBS, DW, and CNN, as well as in print media around the world, including The Guardian, USA Today, and Forbes. She has received widespread recognition, including the ‘Légion d'Honneur’ from President Macron in 2022, recognition as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2010, being named one of TIME Magazine’s Heroes of Asia in 2005, and receiving the Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States in 2003 and 2019.
Today, Lek continues to be at the forefront of elephant and other animal rights causes, encouraging others in the region to follow her lead, in order to improve the living conditions and well-being of Asian elephants.
Certified for Excellence in Animal Welfare
Samui Elephant Sanctuary is officially certified with the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard for elephant camps by Thailand's Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. This certification upholds the internationally recognized Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare:
1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – Access to sufficient food and clean water to ensure health and comfort.
2. Freedom from Discomfort – Safe, clean shelter and adequate space for rest and movement.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease – Proper healthcare and prompt medical attention.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior – Opportunities for natural behaviors such as foraging and playing.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress – A secure environment, free from violence and psychological harm.
By adhering to these principles, we ensure the highest quality of life for every elephant in our care. Your visit supports a sanctuary that prioritizes kindness, respect, and compassion for these magnificent animals.
