A Soft Landing: Visiting an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

Today, I had the privilege of visiting an elephant sanctuary unlike any I've experienced before. No chains, no rides, no hand feeding; just elephants living out their days freely and peacefully, after lives that began in far less kind circumstances.

These elephants are older, and their bodies carry the stories of their past. Some were once used in logging, others in tourism. When logging was outlawed in Thailand, hundreds of elephants were retrained for tourism, where they endured long hours, isolation, and often unnatural and painful conditions. The shift was not a solution, it was a new form of captivity.

But here, in the quiet hills of the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, the energy is different. It feels like healing.

We trekked into the jungle through a light rain - fitting, really - for the chance to stand just feet away as these incredible beings roamed through the forest, covered themselves in fresh mud, and interacted naturally with one another. There's something profoundly humbling about watching a creature that large move so gently. Learning each elephant’s story was like listening to the calm after a storm—there was pain, but also peace.

What makes this sanctuary unique isn’t just its ethical standards; it’s the way it allows visitors to learn. There's no petting zoo energy here. Instead, the experience is grounded in education and empathy. It's a reminder that true respect means observing without interfering.

No one would celebrate riding on the back of an elephant if they truly understood the suffering it took to make that ride possible. Fortunately, more travelers are becoming aware of this, and places like this sanctuary are leading the way; offering elephants a soft landing after a life of hard work, and offering us a new, kinder way to connect.

As a former horse professional, I found myself especially curious about their care behind the scenes. (I know many of my horse friends will relate to this.) I had to see the feed room! And I’m glad I did, it was fascinating to learn about their dietary needs, the role of supplements, and how much thought goes into every detail of their care.

Today reminded me that travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about learning how to see the world differently.