Thailand's Elephant Forest in Phitsanulok is rewriting the script on elephant tourism. 🚫 No more rides or shows—just five amazing female elephants roaming freely across a 1.44 km protected forest.
Meet Si-bua, a 50-year-old survivor of logging who went from a quiet, scarred life to a playful 'wild teacher' for visitors. 🌟 She's showing us how these gentle giants truly thrive when given space, respect, and the right care.
Thanks to World Animal Protection, the sanctuary's focus is on elephant welfare. Instead of being 'controlled,' elephants now lead the experience, and mahouts have transformed into devoted caregivers, guiding guests to observe natural behaviors up close.
It's the kind of moment you'll want to capture on your feed—just remember: watch with respect, don't chase. 📲✨
This shift proves that ethical tourism can be both kind to animals and a solid income source for local communities. 💼🌱 'We've proven animal welfare and stable income can go hand in hand,' says Roatchana Sungthong, Thailand chief of the organization.
With over 13 camps adopting this free-roaming model, Thailand is setting a new standard just in time for World Animal Day on October 4. 🗓️ It's more than a sanctuary—it's a movement toward a kinder, more sustainable future for wildlife tourism.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
