The Globetrotting Diaries: An Ethical Encounter with Elephants

I have always wanted to have an elephant encounter at some point in my life. However, it needed to be 100% ethical in every aspect. My trip to Thailand allowed this to be possible at ElephantsWorld, based in Kanchanaburi Province. We took part in foraging and making their daily meals. The elephants here roam free, but you better believe that when they see food they will surround you in hoards. This guy in my picture kept following me around and flapping his ears because he wanted me to keep petting him. I was honestly filled with so much joy. This is an experience I will never forget.

Dr. Samart, a veterinarian, and his wife, Khun Fon, run this sanctuary. ElephantsWorld was founded in 2008. It initially started as a solution to providing a home and food for a small number of elderly and injured local elephants in urgent need.

Their mission is to provide the best possible care for their elephants, staff, and visitors. They welcome travellers from Thailand and right across the world. They strive to make every moment spent at the sanctuary as educational and enjoyable as possible, and rewarding in meaningful ways, understanding that their visitors love elephants and wish to play a part, as they do, in their conservation for future generations.