A Day with Dao Rueng: Embracing Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

Thailand is a land of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and home to one of the world’s most iconic creatures: the Asian elephant. With approximately 15% of the world’s Asian elephant population residing in Thailand, this gentle giant is a national treasure. However, the reality for many elephants in Thailand is complex; while a few thousand roam freely in protected areas, around 2,798 live in captivity, often in conditions focused on tourist entertainment rather than their well-being.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to experience elephants in a way that respects their natural behaviors, there’s hope! Ethical elephant sanctuaries provide a humane and sustainable way to see these animals, letting elephants just be elephants. These sanctuaries prioritize animal welfare, offering them a life free from rides, forced tricks, or tourist entertainment.

At EF Ultimate Break, we’re deeply committed to animal welfare and ensuring that every travel experience aligns with our high standards. In partnership with World Animal Protection since 2018, we’ve worked to make sure your adventures are not only enriching but also respectful to the animals involved. By choosing to visit ethical sanctuaries, you’re helping to ensure a safe haven for these magnificent creatures.

Meet Dao Rueng: From Captivity to Freedom

On my recent visit to a sanctuary in Thailand, I had the privilege of meeting Dao Rueng, a 28-year-old female elephant rescued from years of hard labor. Her story, like many others, is a poignant reminder of why ethical sanctuaries are so essential. Dao Rueng’s journey began in Surin, where she spent her early years in an elephant riding camp. She worked tirelessly until the weight of tourists on her back became too much, causing her physical and emotional distress. Her days only became harder when she was transferred to a parade show, where the loud noises and crowds made her visibly anxious.

Thankfully, her story took a brighter turn. Dao Rueng was brought to the Following Giants sanctuary, a place committed to providing rescued elephants with a safe, natural environment. Here, her life revolves around her own choices and comforts. She no longer carries the burden of entertaining tourists; instead, her days are filled with activities she enjoys. Free from the stresses of her past, she has developed a fondness for foraging for her favorite fruits and basking in the quiet of her surroundings, far from the sounds that once triggered her anxiety.

A Day at the Sanctuary: Elephants Living Naturally

In this sanctuary, elephants like Dao Rueng live without the pressures of performing for tourists. As we walked through the lush grounds, our guides explained how each elephant’s needs and preferences shape their routine. Some elephants form friendships with others, spending their days roaming the grounds together. Others prefer solitary relaxation, exploring the terrain and enjoying mud baths.

Observing Dao Rueng’s day was heartwarming. She moved at her own pace, choosing when to socialize, eat, and rest. Watching her grab bunches of bananas with her trunk, peeling each one skillfully, was a simple yet profound moment—an elephant, unencumbered, doing what elephants do best. It’s an inspiring example of how, even in captivity, the right setting allows elephants to live naturally and freely.

Why Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries Matter

Ethical sanctuaries like the one that rescued Dao Rueng provide more than just a home for elephants; they represent a new standard for tourism that prioritizes animal welfare. These sanctuaries rely on visitor support to maintain their high standards, which often include spacious grounds, natural foraging opportunities, and enrichment activities that mimic the elephants’ wild environment as closely as possible. They provide the opportunity for travelers to experience these incredible animals up close, without infringing upon their well-being. When you visit a sanctuary, you’re supporting a system that honors these elephants’ needs, helping them heal from past trauma and enjoy a peaceful life.

How You Can Support Ethical Elephant Experiences

Travel is powerful, and when done responsibly, it can be a force for good. EF Ultimate Break’s trips to Thailand offer immersive experiences at sanctuaries like this one, where elephants live in natural environments, free from rides and unnatural performances. A visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary is not just an unforgettable experience—it’s a chance to advocate for a brighter future for these incredible animals. So, next time you think about seeing elephants up close, choose to do so in a way that respects and celebrates them for the majestic beings they are.

By visiting Dao Rueng and her friends, you’re not only making memories but also supporting a movement that lets elephants truly be elephants.