Phuket
Elephant
Sanctuary

A lively, playful, and spirited girl, Kannika has a big appetite and an even bigger heart, winning over everyone who brings her food. Originally hailing from Surin province, she spent much of her younger years performing for tourists at hotels in Phuket.

Jan Jao, whose name means “full moon” in Thai, is a beautiful elephant who has found a safe haven here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Her journey has been one of healing after enduring years of hard labor in the tourism industry, which left her with visible scars behind her ears and on her forehead—a lasting testament to her difficult past.

Tong Kwaw, name after a beautiful orange flower, began her new chapter with us on December 15, 2017, after more than two decades of hauling and working in elephant riding camps. At 44 years old, she finally left behind the hardships of her past to embrace a life of freedom.

Sroy Fah, a 50-year-old elephant, was rescued from a riding camp in southern Phuket in February 2018. Born in Surin Province, she worked with her long-time owner until he became too old to care for her and sold her to a riding camp.

In October 2018, Cattleya’s owner contacted one of our mahouts, concerned about her well-being. After being rented to logging camps in Trang province, 45-year-old Cattleya endured grueling 16-hour days pulling heavy trees and suffered from physical and mental abuse.

Named after a rare blue-purple orchid, Fah Mui’s journey to freedom was as unique as her name. At 39, she worked in one of Pattaya’s largest riding camps, enduring long, exhausting days in the tourism industry.

Vanda, formerly known as Somboon, has found her peaceful forever home at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Born in Nakhon Si Thammarat, she spent much of her life in the logging industry, enduring hard labor until early 2019.

Sri Nual has a heartwarming story of resilience and friendship. Born and raised in Phuket’s tourism industry, she was first rescued in 2017 by a smaller sanctuary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that sanctuary closed, giving us the opportunity to welcome her to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary with the support of the Save Elephant Foundation.

Ampan, a gentle old bull in his early 60s, is the first male elephant to call Phuket Elephant Sanctuary his home. Born in Northern Thailand, he spent decades working in the logging industry throughout Southern Thailand after being sold to various camps in the 1990s.

Mali, a resilient elephant in her 40s, has found her forever home at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary after a lifetime of hard work. Born in Ranong, she spent years in the logging industry before transitioning to tourism, moving between Phang Nga, Phuket, and Pattaya.

Than-Tawan, a courageous elephant in her 70s, has found her safe haven at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary after decades of hard labor in Thailand’s logging and tourism industries. Originally from Surin province, she endured challenging conditions after being sold to a large riding camp in 2015.

Chaba, a resilient elephant in her 40s, has embarked on a journey of healing and trust at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Originally from Surin province, she spent over a decade working in Pattaya’s tourism industry, carrying tourists in riding camps.

Madee was a gentle giant, known for her peaceful and calm demeanor. At 69 years old, she, along with Kannika, was among the first elephants to call Phuket Elephant Sanctuary home.

Gaew Ta, affectionately called “Darling,” brought serenity and grace to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary during her five years with us. Blind and in her early 60s, she adapted to her surroundings with remarkable resilience, relying on her mahout as her guide and forming a deep bond of trust and care.

Dok Gaew, meaning “Orange Jasmine,” was one of the first elephants welcomed to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Known for her kind spirit and bright eyes, she was affectionately regarded as the “Grandmother” of our herd at over 60 years old.

Baan Yen was a very clever elephant, named after the ‘Four o’clock’ flower. After working in elephant camps for tourists for more than 20 years, Baan Yen moved in with us on December 14, 2016.

Richy was a 70-year-old elephant whose life was marked by decades of hard labor. Born in Ranong province near the Myanmar border, she spent years in the logging industry, carrying logs as heavy as her own body. Later, she was sold to a trekking camp in Phuket, where she carried tourists until she was nearly 70.

Sai Tong’s life changed forever in April 2018, when she was rescued from the harsh conditions she endured on Koh Lanta. Found tied to a tree, emaciated and distressed, she bore the marks of a difficult past, including an infected leg wound and a shortened tail bitten off by another elephant.

Dee Lerd’s life was marked by resilience and courage. Having worked in Southern Thailand’s logging industry until 2017, she bore the scars of a hard life, including a broken ankle on her left front leg.

Daw-Reung, affectionately called “Marigold,” was a beautiful female elephant in her sixties whose journey reflected strength and resilience. Born in Tak province, she spent decades in the logging and tourism industries, enduring relentless labor. When tourism declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Pattani for logging work.