World Animal Protection

For many tourists, meeting an elephant is one of the highlights of a trip to Thailand. However, in order for elephants to be washed, fed, or touched by visitors, they must first be tamed and trained. This is often done in a cruel and inhumane way. Fortunately, we are sometimes given a unique opportunity to stop this unnecessary suffering. Today, such an opportunity is before us. But we need your help.

In Thailand, the Ran-Tong Elephant Rescue Centre provides sanctuary to 12 elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries. At present, tourists can still wash and feed the elephants, while the animals remain restrained by short chains. However, the centre wants to allow the elephants to roam freely, without constant contact with people.

Tourists will still be welcome, but they will experience the elephants from a respectful distance. This will allow visitors to observe the elephants’ behaviour in a more natural environment, without disrupting their welfare.
Unfortunately, achieving this is easier said than done.

The sanctuary must be adapted with environmental enrichment features that encourage the elephants’ natural behaviours. A large nighttime shelter must be built so the elephants no longer have to be chained. An observation tower must also be constructed, allowing tourists to admire the elephants safely and respectfully from a distance.

As you can imagine, these changes require a significant investment. In this case, the total cost is €90,000. And work on these improvements cannot begin until the necessary funds have been raised.

World Animal Protection has previously helped transform the elephant camps ChangChill and Following Giants in Thailand from traditional tourist attractions into elephant-friendly sanctuaries. In both parks, the welfare of the elephants is now the highest priority. The animals can behave as they would in the wild and freely roam through the valley, graze, and enjoy mud baths. Tourists can admire these happy elephants from a safe distance. It is proof that truly elephant-friendly tourism is possible.

The Ran-Tong Elephant Rescue Centre also wants to make this transition. We are ready to provide the sanctuary with our full support and guidance throughout the process. But we need your help to make it happen. Will you please support this transformation with a donation?

With your gift, you will give 12 rescued elephants more freedom, more space, and a life much closer to what an elephant’s life should be.
A donation would make a tremendous difference. Will you join us and make your contribution today?

Thank you very much in advance for your support.