Visit our Elephant Haven in Phuket and Meet the Herd!
Since opening in 2016, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has been a haven for over 20 elephants rescued from harsh conditions in riding camps, shows and the logging industry. Each of these gentle giants has found a new life of peace and freedom in our lush jungle sanctuary.
Below, you’ll meet our current resident elephants and learn about the remarkable individuals who spent their final years here, living peacefully in the care and comfort of our sanctuary.
KANNIKA
RESCUED 30 AUGUST 2016
A lively, playful, and spirited girl, Kannika has a big appetite and an even bigger heart, winning over everyone who brings her food. Originally hailing from Surin province, she spent much of her younger years performing for tourists at hotels in Phuket.
In 2007, her life took a turn when she was sold to Mr. Montri, who then operated a tourist riding camp. Years later, when Mr. Montri founded Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Kannika became one of the first lucky residents to call it her forever home.
It didn’t take long for her to settle into the sanctuary’s lush forests and refreshing watering holes. Her vibrant personality shines in our natural playground, where she delights in mischievously playing with bamboo, splashing joyfully in the water, and trumpeting with glee.
Kannika’s playful antics and infectious energy have brought smiles to countless guests. She truly embodies the sanctuary’s mission: to provide a joyful, peaceful retirement for elephants.
JAN JAO
RESCUED 30 AUGUST 2017
Jan Jao, whose name means “full moon” in Thai, is a beautiful elephant who has found a safe haven here at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Her journey has been one of healing after enduring years of hard labor in the tourism industry, which left her with visible scars behind her ears and on her forehead—a lasting testament to her difficult past.
Since her arrival on August 30, 2017, Jan Jao has shown progress in adapting to her new life. While she has grown more confident and enjoys exploring the sanctuary’s natural forests, wide-open spaces, and ponds, she remains cautious. Loud noises still spook her easily, and she seldom socializes with other elephants, preferring her own company.
Despite these challenges, Jan Jao has found solace in simple pleasures—rolling in thick mud, splashing in water, and soaking in the freedom to make her own choices. Her eyes now carry a glimmer of hope, and under the gentle care of her mahout, we are committed to helping her continue her journey toward complete trust and happiness in her forever home.
TONG KWAW
RESCUED 15 DECEMBER 2017
Tong Kwaw, name after a beautiful orange flower, began her new chapter with us on December 15, 2017, after more than two decades of hauling and working in elephant riding camps. At 44 years old, she finally left behind the hardships of her past to embrace a life of freedom.
Upon her arrival, we introduced Tong Kwaw to Jan Jao, a fellow sanctuary resident who had joined us just months earlier. The two had worked together in a riding camp in Krabi Province, and we hoped their shared history would spark a close bond.
Though it took Tong Kwaw some time to adjust to her new surroundings, she has since blossomed. Now, she spends her days exploring the sanctuary with boundless curiosity—wandering through the lush landscape, playfully tugging at palm trees, cooling off with refreshing sprays of water, and enjoying the company of her best friend, Vanda.
Seeing Tong Kwaw’s natural and joyful behavior is a true delight. We’re thrilled to offer her the peaceful, happy life she deserves and look forward to sharing many more wonderful years with her at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
SROY FAH
RESCUED 8 FEBRUARY 2018
Sroy Fah, a 50-year-old elephant, was rescued from a riding camp in southern Phuket in February 2018. Born in Surin Province, she worked with her long-time owner until he became too old to care for her and sold her to a riding camp.
Her strong-willed nature made her unsuitable for camp work. She once ran away with tourists on her back, prompting mahouts to resort to abuse in an attempt to tame her. Despite their efforts, Sroy Fah’s spirit remained untamed, and the camp eventually sold her to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Traumatized by her past, Sroy Fah spent her first two years here mostly in a shelter near the mahouts’ houses, too frightened to venture out. To help her heal, we built a larger, quieter shelter in the jungle where she could swim, explore, and adjust to forest life.
Today, Sroy Fah continues her journey toward confidence and freedom, surrounded by care and compassion. We hope that sometime soon she will have the confidence to leave her shelter and roam freely within our sanctuary.
CATTLEYA
RESCUED 22 NOVEMBER 2018
In October 2018, Cattleya’s owner contacted one of our mahouts, concerned about her well-being. After being rented to logging camps in Trang province, 45-year-old Cattleya endured grueling 16-hour days pulling heavy trees and suffered from physical and mental abuse.
Moved by her plight, our mahouts alerted our founder, Khun Montri. Together, they traveled to Trang, finding Cattleya weak, fragile, and battling a skin infection and parasites. Swiftly, plans were made to rescue her.
Upon arriving at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Cattleya hesitated, likely expecting another labor camp. But by the next morning, she was foraging, splashing in the water, and mingling with her new companions.
Today, Cattleya thrives in her forever home together with her friend Kannika, embracing her freedom and newfound happiness. She is a symbol of resilience and reminds us why we strive to provide every elephant the care and peace they deserve.
FAH MUI
RESCUED 4 APRIL 2019
Named after a rare blue-purple orchid, Fah Mui’s journey to freedom was as unique as her name. At 39, she worked in one of Pattaya’s largest riding camps, enduring long, exhausting days in the tourism industry.
Born in Surin Province, Fah Mui was rented out from a young age, frequently transported between Hua Hin and Pattaya for work. In April 2019, her owner agreed to sell her, granting her the chance to retire peacefully at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
After a 21-hour drive, Fah Mui arrived and quickly embraced her newfound freedom. Within days, she was scratching against trees, rolling in thick mud, and exploring her surroundings. She also formed a bond with Gaew Ta, our blind elephant, who sadly passed away 2021.
Fah Mui faces her own challenges with vision; she is blind in her left eye, and her right eye has severely limited visibility due to a cataract. Our dedicated veterinary team is working closely with ophthalmologists, and we are planning a cataract extraction surgery for her in 2025 at our new elephant hospital. Despite these obstacles, Fah Mui continues to thrive, reminding us of the resilience and beauty of these incredible animals.
VANDA
RESCUED 12 DECEMBER 2019
Vanda, formerly known as Somboon, has found her peaceful forever home at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Born in Nakhon Si Thammarat, she spent much of her life in the logging industry, enduring hard labor until early 2019.
After her owner passed away, his son and nephew cared for Vanda, but her needs proved challenging to meet. She often escaped her chains to snack on neighbors’ durian fruits, and her old injuries, caused by a wild elephant attack, required specialized care. Recognizing their limitations, her owner’s son made the compassionate decision to sell Vanda to us.
After a 7.5-hour journey, Vanda arrived on 12 December 2019. Initially shy, she soon embraced sanctuary life under the care of her mahout. Freed from the burdens of labor, Vanda now enjoys exploring her natural surroundings together with Tong Kwaw, marking a well-deserved chapter of rest and happiness.
SRI NUAL
RESCUED 28 MAY 2020
Sri Nual has a heartwarming story of resilience and friendship. Born and raised in Phuket’s tourism industry, she was first rescued in 2017 by a smaller sanctuary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that sanctuary closed, giving us the opportunity to welcome her to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary with the support of the Save Elephant Foundation.
Familiar with our environment and some of our elephants, like Gaew Ta, Kannika, and Madee, Sri Nual quickly adapted to her new home. Her friendly nature shines, making her a favorite among visitors.
Sri Nual suffers from cataracts in her right eye and a skin infection. With daily river treatments using a natural, saponin-rich vine from Phang Nga, her condition is managed lovingly by her mahout and our veterinary assistant.
Her signature squeaky sound, especially when enjoying her favorite treats—watermelons and bananas—brings smiles to everyone around, making her an unforgettable part of our herd.
AMPAN
RESCUED 12 MAY 2022
Ampan, a gentle old bull in his early 60s, is the first male elephant to call Phuket Elephant Sanctuary his home. Born in Northern Thailand, he spent decades working in the logging industry throughout Southern Thailand after being sold to various camps in the 1990s.
Blind in one eye and tuskless, Amphan was well-known to our mahout Benz, who had worked with him in the past. Confident in his gentle nature, we rescued Amphan shortly after Thailand’s post-COVID reopening to provide him a peaceful retirement after six decades of hard labor.
During his first medical check-up, Amphan was diagnosed with an intestinal infection. He spent some time at the Krabi Elephant Hospital to recover, and returned to our sanctuary a few weeks later to enjoy a pain-free retirement in the lush forest environment that he so deserves.
MALI
RESCUED 20 APRIL 2023
Mali, a resilient elephant in her 40s, has found her forever home at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary after a lifetime of hard work. Born in Ranong, she spent years in the logging industry before transitioning to tourism, moving between Phang Nga, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Her journey took a brighter turn on April 20, 2023, when she was rescued and brought back to Phuket—not for work, but for a peaceful retirement.
Mali has quickly embraced sanctuary life with boundless curiosity. She loves exploring the lush jungle, rolling in mud baths by the river, and discovering new scents around her. Her playful and inquisitive spirit inspires everyone who meets her.
Mali’s story is a testament to the importance of providing safe havens for elephants, allowing them to heal and thrive. She now enjoys the freedom and care she deserves, surrounded by the sanctuary’s supportive community.
THAN-TAWAN
RESCUED 14 DECEMBER 2023
Than-Tawan, a courageous elephant in her 70s, has found her safe haven at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary after decades of hard labor in Thailand’s logging and tourism industries. Originally from Surin province, she endured challenging conditions after being sold to a large riding camp in 2015.
Rescued on December 14, 2023, Than-Tawan is now receiving dedicated veterinary care to heal from her past. She suffers from broken nails, painful abscesses, and a visible scar on her forehead, a reminder of past mistreatment. Our veterinary team and her devoted mahout are working tirelessly to aid her recovery in a nurturing, natural environment.
Than-Tawan’s resilience is a powerful testament to her strength. Her story reflects the sanctuary’s mission to give elephants a second chance at a peaceful, loving life. With your support, we’re committed to providing her the care she deserves and ensuring her final years are full of happiness and freedom.
CHABA
RESCUED 4 MAY 2023
Chaba, a resilient elephant in her 40s, has embarked on a journey of healing and trust at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Originally from Surin province, she spent over a decade working in Pattaya’s tourism industry, carrying tourists in riding camps.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many camps to close, leaving Chaba malnourished and vulnerable. After returning briefly to Pattaya as tourism recovered, her frail condition prompted us to step in and rescue her in May 2023.
Initially wary and untrusting, Chaba spent several weeks in her shelter, slowly building trust with her new mahout. With patience and care, she has embraced her new home’s 30 acres of lush natural terrain.
Today, Chaba thrives in her newfound freedom, foraging, enjoying tree rubs, and indulging in soothing mud baths. Her transformation reflects the sanctuary’s mission of offering elephants a safe, peaceful, and nurturing environment to rediscover joy and comfort.
GULARB
RESCUED 8 MAY 2025
Named Gularp, the Thai word for “Rose,” this 53-year-old elephant has a story rooted in decades of labor — and a long-overdue journey to freedom.
Gularp was born in Mae Ramat District in Tak Province — a region where many elephants were once used in logging. She spent the first 30 years of her life in the logging industry, hauling timber across forested terrain. In her early 30s, she was sold to one of Phuket’s largest elephant riding camps, where she worked for over two decades carrying tourists. It’s the same camp from which we previously rescued Than-Tawan, Sroy Fah, and Sri Nual.
In early May 2024, our founder Khun Noom and veterinary team went to visit her. Gularp was suffering from wounds on her toenail and the base of her hind leg, which made walking — and working — painful. It was clear she could no longer continue, and we acted quickly to offer her sanctuary. Gularp is gentle and observant, and already showing signs of trust — a beautiful reminder that healing is possible, even after a lifetime of hardship.
TONG URAI
RESCUED 19 JUNE 2025
Tong Urai, named after the bright yellow elder flower, is a graceful and gentle soul who became the youngest member of our herd at just 40 years old. Originally from Surin Province, she spent many years in Phuket working in the elephant riding industry after being relocated there by her owning family a decade ago.
When the camp where she worked closed in May 2025, Tong Urai was moved to a location not far from our sanctuary. Her owners, wanting the best for her future, reached out to us—and we were more than happy to welcome her into our care.
She spent her first days in one of the hospital’s recovery shelters, receiving health checks and slowly adjusting to her new environment. While she showed signs of stress at first, swaying frequently and appearing unsettled, Tong Urai started to relax a little more each day. With time, space, and gentle support, she is now beginning to explore the forest and connect with other elephants.
Tong Urai’s story marks a new beginning—one of rest, healing, and freedom. We are honored to offer her a true home where she will be respected and loved for the rest of her life.
IN LOVING MEMORY
MADEE
RESCUED 30 AUGUST 2016
PASSED AWAY 26 MARCH 2022
Madee was a gentle giant, known for her peaceful and calm demeanor. At 69 years old, she, along with Kannika, was among the first elephants to call Phuket Elephant Sanctuary home.
Originally from Narathiwat province in Southern Thailand, Madee worked tirelessly until 2009 when she was moved to Phuket to become a tourist elephant. Upon her arrival, caregivers discovered open wounds on her left back leg and shoulder, revealing that she had been shot with a bullet, likely as a cruel means to enforce obedience by her previous mahout.
At the sanctuary, she enjoyed a quiet and relaxed existence, finding solace in the hydrotherapy pool and forming an inseparable bond with her best friend, Kannika.
Though we mourn her loss, we take solace in knowing Madee spent her final years surrounded by care, compassion, and the natural beauty of our sanctuary. Her memory and the tranquility she brought live on at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
GAEW TA
RESCUED 8 DECEMBER 2016
PASSED AWAY 12 NOVEMBER 2021
Gaew Ta, affectionately called “Darling,” brought serenity and grace to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary during her five years with us. Blind and in her early 60s, she adapted to her surroundings with remarkable resilience, relying on her mahout as her guide and forming a deep bond of trust and care.
Gaew Ta’s journey to freedom began in December 2016, after years of grueling labor in the logging and tourism industries in Southern Thailand. Despite her blindness, she moved confidently, tapping the ground with her trunk to ensure safety. Although her sight could not be restored due to severe eye infections, she found solace and security in the sanctuary’s natural environment.
Her mischievous spirit shone when she once snuck out at night to enjoy our neighbor’s banana trees, a lighthearted escapade that delighted everyone. During her final years, Gaew Ta formed a profound friendship with Vanda, another rescued elephant, finding companionship and peace.
Gaew Ta’s life was transformed by love and care, and her memory continues to inspire our commitment to provide elephants with the sanctuary they deserve. She remains forever a cherished part of our story.
DOK GAEW
RESCUED 10 DECEMBER 2016
PASSED AWAY 13 FEBRUARY 2021
Dok Gaew, meaning “Orange Jasmine,” was one of the first elephants welcomed to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Known for her kind spirit and bright eyes, she was affectionately regarded as the “Grandmother” of our herd at over 60 years old.
For five decades, Dok Gaew labored in the logging industry before being sold to a tourist riding camp in Phuket. We found her in a frail state, her legs weakened and injuries preventing her from standing properly. Despite her condition, she arrived at the sanctuary on 10 December 2016, and with care and support, she made a remarkable recovery within two months.
During her final months, Dok Gaew found peace, roaming freely with her closest companions, Kannika and Madee. She passed away on 13 February 2018, leaving behind a legacy of resilience. While her loss saddens us, we are grateful she experienced freedom, love, and the beauty of nature in her final days.
BAAN YEN
RESCUED 14 DECEMBER 2016
PASSED AWAY 16 MARCH 2017
Baan Yen was a very clever elephant, named after the ‘Four o’clock’ flower. After working in elephant camps for tourists for more than 20 years, Baan Yen moved in with us on December 14, 2016.
On the day she arrived she was warmly welcomed by her new elephant friends Kannika, Madee and Dok Gaew. Her previous life had caused much pain to the 50-year old Baan Yen, resulting in severe injuries in her hip and hind legs.
Although our veterinarian took the best possible care of her and Baan Yen enjoyed a more peaceful life at the sanctuary, she got weaker with each day and fell frequently.
On March 16, 2017 she fell for the last time and left us quietly to a land where she is now free of pain and fatigue.
We had a Buddhist cremation ceremony for her, and now her body is resting quietly at the sanctuary. All of us still think about the time when Baan Yen was blooming in our sanctuary, and her memory will blossom in our hearts forever.
RICHY
RESCUED 25 JANUARY 2018
PASSED AWAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2018
Richy was a 70-year-old elephant whose life was marked by decades of hard labor. Born in Ranong province near the Myanmar border, she spent years in the logging industry, carrying logs as heavy as her own body. Later, she was sold to a trekking camp in Phuket, where she carried tourists until she was nearly 70.
Richy bore the physical scars of her difficult past, including a twisted ankle, a broken hind leg, and marks from chains tightly wrapped around her legs. Our founder, Mr. Montri, had known her for over a decade and dreamed of providing her a peaceful retirement. That dream came true in January 2018 when Richy finally arrived at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Though frail, Richy adjusted to her new home, spending peaceful days near the sanctuary entrance with her mahout and occasionally enjoying swims in the lagoon. Sadly, in September 2018, her tired body succumbed to years of strain.
Richy’s eight months at the sanctuary were a brief but precious chapter of peace, love, and care. She remains a poignant reminder of our mission to give elephants the dignity and freedom they deserve.
SAI TONG
RESCUED 19 APRIL 2018
PASSED AWAY 14 JANUARY 2022
Sai Tong’s life changed forever in April 2018, when she was rescued from the harsh conditions she endured on Koh Lanta. Found tied to a tree, emaciated and distressed, she bore the marks of a difficult past, including an infected leg wound and a shortened tail bitten off by another elephant.
Before her rescue, Sai Tong had worked in Southern Thailand’s logging industry and later walked the streets of Krabi selling bananas and enduring tourist bathing sessions. Her chains were removed, and she embarked on her final journey to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where she arrived safely after a 5-hour journey.
At the sanctuary, Sai Tong found peace. Despite losing most of her molars, she enjoyed soft grasses, banana leaves, and specially prepared rice balls from her mahout. Her gentle spirit thrived in the nurturing environment.
Sai Tong’s legacy of resilience and her final years of freedom remain a poignant reminder of the sanctuary’s mission to provide love and care to elephants in need.
DEE LERD
RESCUED 28 MAY 2020
PASSED AWAY 2 APRIL 2023
Dee Lerd’s life was marked by resilience and courage. Having worked in Southern Thailand’s logging industry until 2017, she bore the scars of a hard life, including a broken ankle on her left front leg.
In 2017, Dee Lerd found temporary refuge at a small sanctuary, but the facility closed in May 2020 due to the impacts of COVID-19. That same month, she and her companion Sri Nual were rescued and brought to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to begin their final chapter of peace and care.
Our veterinary team attended to her wounds daily, and she spent hours in the Hydrotherapy Pool, which helped alleviate pain and pressure on her injured leg. Despite her physical and mental scars, we held hope that she would heal and rediscover trust.
On 2 April 2023, Dee Lerd passed away, leaving a legacy of strength and a reminder of why we strive to provide dignity and compassion to all elephants.
DAW-REUNG
RESCUED 29 JUNE 2023
PASSED AWAY 18 OCTOBER 2023
Daw-Reung, affectionately called “Marigold,” was a beautiful female elephant in her sixties whose journey reflected strength and resilience. Born in Tak province, she spent decades in the logging and tourism industries, enduring relentless labor. When tourism declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Pattani for logging work.
Rescued on 29 June 2023, Daw-Reung first received care at Krabi Elephant Hospital, where a tumor in her chest was identified and successfully removed. She arrived at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to begin her recovery, experiencing kindness and freedom for the first time.
Despite these efforts, Daw-Reung faced additional health challenges, including a painful abscess on her feet and severe digestive issues. She was sent back to Krabi Elephant Hospital for specialized care but sadly passed away after a month.
Though her time with us was brief, Daw-Reung experienced compassion and peace in her final months. Her story underscores our mission to provide dignity and care to elephants in need.
