Exploring Elephant Tourism and Welfare in Thailand
In the latest World Vegan Travel Podcast, we meet Russell, the co-founder of Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve in Phuket, Thailand. Russell and his team are on a mission to help elephants live happy, healthy lives and to change how people interact with these amazing animals.
What Is Elephant Welfare?
Elephant welfare means taking care of elephants so they can live naturally and feel safe. In Thailand, elephants have long been part of the country’s culture. But sadly, many elephants have been treated poorly, especially in tourism.
A Look Back: Elephants in Tourism and Logging
For years, elephants were used for heavy work like logging, which meant cutting down trees. When logging was banned in the 1980s, many elephants ended up in tourism. They were used for rides, shows, and tricks—but this often hurt them, both physically and emotionally.
Hidden Forest: A Place for Happy Elephants
In 2016, Russell and his friend Louise started Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve. Their goal? To create a safe home where elephants can roam freely and enjoy life without riding or tricks. Inspired by places like Elephant Nature Park, Hidden Forest helps people see elephants in a kinder way.
People Are Changing How They See Elephants
More travelers now care about how animals are treated. Instead of going to places where elephants are ridden or made to perform, they look for responsible wildlife tourism. This means supporting places like Hidden Forest that focus on the elephants’ needs first.
How Hidden Forest Puts Elephants First
At Hidden Forest, it’s all about the elephants. Visitors don’t ride them or watch them do tricks. Instead, they get to observe elephants in a peaceful forest, where they are free to act naturally.
How Tourism Can Help
Hidden Forest uses money from visitors to take care of the elephants. This way, the sanctuary doesn’t rely on donations. By choosing to visit ethical places, tourists can directly help elephants and learn why it’s so important to treat them with kindness.
Meet Sudjai and Wassana
Two elephants at Hidden Forest, Sudjai and Wassana, have heartbreaking but inspiring stories. Sudjai is an older elephant who was once hurt and overworked. Now, she enjoys peaceful days in the forest. Wassana was cranky and scared when she first arrived, but with care and love, she’s become calm and happy again.
Why Should You Care?
This podcast episode shows how important it is to make good choices when you travel. By visiting places like Hidden Forest, you’re helping create a world where animals are treated with respect.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can join the mission to protect elephants:
- 🎧 Listen to the Episode: Learn more about Hidden Forest and why ethical travel is so important.
- 🌿 Visit Hidden Forest: See the sanctuary for yourself and support their work.
- 📣 Share the Episode: Tell your friends and family about ethical tourism.
- 🌿 Support elephant care at Hidden Forest by purchasing Louise’s thoughtfully crafted products—every purchase makes a difference! Explore now 🐘✨
By choosing to travel responsibly, you’re helping elephants have a better life. Together, we can make a difference! 🐘💚
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve
- 🐘 The History of Elephant Tourism in Thailand
- 🌿 Hidden Forest’s Mission
- The Stories of Sudjai and Wassana
- The Role of Sustainable Tourism
- How to Experience Ethical Tourism
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Part 1: Thai Gastronomy and Compassion: Our Favorite Vegan Thai dishes, Animal Sanctuaries, and Accommodations in Thailand | World Vegan Travel – Brighde Reed | Ep 139
- Part 2: Favorites Unveiled: Vegan Restaurants, Activities, and Unexpected Joys in Thailand | World Vegan Travel – Brighde Reed | Ep 140
- #12 | Vegan Resorts and Retreats in Thailand and Sicily | Stefano from Kapuhala
- Animal Rescue Organizations in Thailand
