This little treasure trove in Koh Samui is a eye opening experience.
The Samui Elephant Sanctuary goes above and beyond to do their bit in jump starting a revolution by teaching others how these majestic creatures should be treated.
All the elephants here are in their late 50’s and have lived a full life.
Elephants never forget, with their highly evolved emotional intelligence and some of the heartbreaking stories of their rescue really does tug at your heart strings.
THE CIRCUS SHOWMAN
As we walked through the sanctuary, grass and mud at our feet, I was captivated by a story of a circus elephant.
Before animal circus’ were closed down, this particular elephant was a forced performer, travelling around to entertain people all over the world.
She was trained to pick people up with her trunk for photos which may seem like a fun trick to some people.
However, when you look into the deepness of her eyes, there is so much pain.
She has a permanently blackened eye, where she has been the victim of severely cruel punishment.
A poignant reminder of the trauma she endured and the deep scars of our past as humans.
A JOURNEY TO RECOVERY
Among the residents is the sanctuary’s smallest elephant, who has a particularly inspiring story.
She was found chained to a tree, relying on tourists to buy food for her.
During the low season, she became severely underweight, struggling to survive.
Fortunately, she was rescued just in time.
With proper care and nutrition, she has made a remarkable recovery.
Recently examined by a vet, she has made a miraculous development in her health and wellbeing and is now even getting a little plump around the hips.
The Sanctuary are carefully monitoring her weight so that she will continue to be in primal health.
Her journey from near starvation to thriving health is a testament to the sanctuary’s dedication and the resilience of these magnificent animals.
SAMUI ELEPHANT SANTUARY
The sanctuary provides a safe haven where these elephants can live free from the fear and pain they once knew.
It’s a place where they can roam, socialise, and simply be elephants.
As visitors, we have the privilege of witnessing their transformation and contributing to their well-being.
Every story of rescue and recovery at the sanctuary is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we choose compassion over exploitation.
The Samui Elephant Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope, showing that even after a lifetime of suffering, a better life is possible for these incredible creatures.
If you ever find yourself in Thailand, a visit to the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is a must.
It’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and contribute to the well-being of elephants who have endured so much.
The sanctuary’s work is a crucial step towards a future where all elephants can live free from harm, and your visit supports this vital mission.
