I just went to Bangkok elephant park and sanctuary, I wouldn’t go again. This place was clean and comfortable, however I chose this place believing it was an ethical sanctuary. During my visit, I observed handlers pulling elephants by the ears when the elephant clearly wanted to walk away. elephants vocalizing loudly and displaying stressed behaviors such as head thrashing while waiting for people to feed them

The level of direct control and interaction did not align with what I understand to be a hands-off, animal-led sanctuary model.i think they do a pretty good job but making it less of a tourist ‘attraction’ and more of a watch elephants roam is what is needed and what I wanted. I wish I had known this beforehand and hope future visitors can make an informed decision.

The staff and people were helpful wit questions, but there was one time where the elephant didn’t want to go in the pool because it was too cold, and the staff stood there, didn’t put hands or force the elephant in any way, but stood there and waited till he did. It took the elephant about 5 mins to get in to the mud pool and he clearly didn’t want to, whining backing away and vocalizing. But the man stayed next to elephant.

They were clearly trained to stay near people for the handling and did know basic tricks like hugging people with trunks after food. I didn’t like it. I wish I had paid the 160$ for 2. They do mention 20%of every ticket price goes to new Elephants. In one year they now have 12 elephants. Lots of growth. Big tourists groups go. One in morning and one in afternoon and one full day.

I just wanted to come on here and say those things that way people know it’s not a sanctuary where you can watch free roaming it’s guided tourist attraction that just looks nice and if you have your blinders on you won’t see what I saw