Riding an elephant is one of the most popular tourist activities in Asia. World Animal Protection claims their study revealed that more than three quarters of nearly 3,000 elephants used for tourist entertainment in Asia are kept in severely-cruel conditions.
Where can you ethically visit elephants?
Here are 35 sanctuaries in more than a dozen countries where you can have a more enjoyable and interactive experience with elephants AND be guilt-free!
CAMBODIA Mondulkiri Project Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
Elephant Valley Project Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia
INDIA Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Center
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre’s Elephant Facilities
INDONESIA Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary
KENYA David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
LAOS Elephant Conservation Center
MALAYSIA National Elephant Conservation Centre (see “Public” on website)
MYANMAR Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp
NAMIBIA Elephant-Human Relations Aid
NEPAL Tiger Tops Elephant Camp
SOUTH AFRICA Tembe Elephant Park Camp Jabulani
SRI LANKA SLWCS’s Volunteer Program Elephant Transit Home
Millennium Elephant Foundation Elephant Freedom Project
THAILAND SEF’s Elephant Nature Park & 7 other projects
Burm & Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
WFFT’s Thai Elephant Refuge Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
Friends of the Asian Elephant Elephant Hills
GVI’s Volunteer With Elephants Elephants World
UNITED STATES Performing Animal Welfare Socitey’s Ark 2000