Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary

In the north of the island is the Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the 1st ethical elephant sanctuary on the island. The inspiration for Samui’s new sanctuary comes from the sanctuaries in northern Thailand Chaing Mai. The aim of the sanctuary is to allow the elephants the freedom to live their lives in a natural surrounding. There are elephants now roaming their new homes and others will follow. Support the elephants and visit the Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Experience the elephants rolling in the mud and splashing about free from the chains and the restrains. Enjoy walking with the elephants and feeding them the food you have prepared. A family activity that is an educational activity and a fun activity in Koh Samui.

The Experience at Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary

On arrival to Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary, there is a short welcome meeting with a video. The video is an animation helping the children to interact and learn about their experience. After the welcome, the guests prepare the food for the elephants. The herd is behind metal fencing to prevent a stampede for the food. The fencing does not interfere with the feeding and the children can participate too. There are water bottles provided with a carry bag which is to be worn over the shoulder, not across the neck. The mahouts guide you and the elephants through the jungle to the pool where the elephants take a cooling dip. Have your cameras ready for all the action of mud and water at Samui Elephant sanctuary the elephants have no preference who they spray.

Sri Nim’s Story

One of the elephants at the sanctuary is called Sri Nin she is approximately 51 years old from Ranong in the south of Thailand. Sri Nin worked in logging and trekking trades until 1999. Sri came to Samui to continue with tourist trekking. An angry mahout blinded Sri Nim in her left eye because her performance was lacking. Sri Nin is easily recognised from the missing part of her tail bitten off by another elephant when she was young. Now an elderly lady she moved to the sanctuary on 3rd January 2018 to begin her life of freedom, rest, love, and care from the mahouts.

Tour Itinerary at Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary

• 08:00 – 08:30hrs – Pick up from the hotels.
• 09:00hrs – The Welcome Meeting.
• 09:30hrs – Prepare the food and Feed the Elephants.
• 10:30hrs – Observe and walk with the elephants.
• 11:20hrs – Watch as the elephants bathe and forage.
• 12:20hrs – Buffet lunch provided – vegetarian.
• 13:00hrs – Return transfers to hotels.

Booking at Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary

To experience the privilege of interacting and the seeing the magnificent mammals book your tour here with confidence. Follow the guidelines and instructions from your guide for a memorable experience in Koh Samui.

Prices

Children Under 4 Free
Children Under 14 years – 1500 Baht
Adults – 3,000 Baht per person

Includes the hotel transfers and a vegetarian buffet lunch. Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers morning and afternoon tours seven days a week. Strictly by booking in advance only. Entry to the sanctuary is refused without a confirmed booking.

What to Bring

• Sun Protection.
• Mosquito Repellent.
• Money – Thai Baht.
• Walking Shoes.
• Camera and Video.

Elephant Care

The elephants at the sanctuary are retired from the tourist trekking they have endured for many years. The contact with humans is natural to the elephants after years of the tourists work. Wittaya Salangam and his family are the owners who have embraced the idea of a sanctuary in Koh Samui. The elephants are not forced to play walk or feed with the tourists. The tour timings may change dependent on the weather conditions.

Asian Elephant Facts

The elephants are incredibly intelligent creatures and despite their size, they are gentle sociable giants. The huge padded feet of the elephant makes very little noise as they walk. The sociable elephants use their trunks to shake hands when they greet each other. Using their trunk the elephant can pull down a tree or pick up a delicate object. The elephants are sensitive to the tropical sun and they seek shade from the heat using their huge ears to help cool their bodies. Support a worthwhile cause the Bamboo Project who are involved in elephant conservation throughout Thailand.

Height – The Males grow 7 – 12 feet and the female to a height of 7 – 8 feet.
Weight – The Males weigh approx 5,400 kg and the female up to 2,700 kg.
Diet – The fruit bark branches and the vegetation. They eat up to 300 lbs a day.
Trunk – An elephant has over 40,000 muscles in their trunk.
Tusks – Predominately found on the male elephant.
Lifespan – 40 to 60 years.
Gender – Male a bull Female a cow Babies are calves.
Body – The wrinkled skin is an inch thick with fine hairs.
Eyes – Small eyes have limited vision.
Ears – The ears help regulate temperature.
Gestation – 12 – 18 months.
Communication – Rumbles, growls, bellows traveling up to a mile.
Habitat – The Jungle and the forest with a water supply.