Why We Chose Elephant Hills Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: An Ethical Encounter with Elephants

6/15/20252 min read

Discovering Elephants in Their Natural Habitat

When embarking on an adventure to experience elephants up close, we were highly selective about where to go. That’s when we discovered Elephant Hills, a sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being of these majestic creatures. Unlike many other advertised options that may offer elephant riding or washing, which are often unethical, Elephant Hills focuses on ensuring that elephants live as naturally as possible. This commitment to ethical encounter is crucial, especially considering the troubling backgrounds of many domestic elephants.

Understanding Their Unique Dietary Requirements

One of the most fascinating aspects of our visit to Elephant Hills was learning about the dietary needs of elephants. Being herbivores, elephants require a vast amount of foliage, grass, fruit, and vegetables daily to stay healthy. The guides at the sanctuary provided incredible insights into what it takes to feed these gentle giants. Each elephant has its individual preferences, and the staff makes sure to cater to their specific dietary requirements. For example Granma being over 80 years of age can only eat soft fruits and not the bamboo and this knowledge not only enhances our appreciation for these animals but also educates us on the importance of maintaining their diets as close to nature as possible.

Witnessing Elephants in Action

Perhaps the highlight of our experience was watching the elephants bathe in their natural habitat. At Elephant Hills National Park Khao Sok, Thailand, you can observe these magnificent animals enjoying a refreshing dip in the water. It’s a beautiful sight to see, as they splash water on themselves and interact with each other in such a playful manner. Moments like these remind us of the genuine joy these elephants experience when they live free from human exploitation. By choosing to visit a responsible sanctuary, we feel a sense of connection, knowing that our presence contributes to their well-being.

In a world where many options to see elephants can be misleading, it is essential to educate ourselves on ethical practices. The experiences available at Elephant Hills align with our values, and it allows us to engage with elephants in a way that does not reinforce negative practices. We encourage anyone looking to connect with elephants to consider how their interactions can make a positive impact. Choosing sanctuaries that prioritize ethical treatment is not just responsible; it enhances the overall experience, making it rewarding and meaningful.

We also spent 2 nights in their luxury tents, which certainly added a memorable adventure to our trip. This can be booked as part of a package provided by Dreamdestinationholidays.co.uk this definitely took the stress out of trying to organise this all individually.