Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is situated one hour north of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. This wonderful sanctuary is home to 35 rescued elephants that were previously abused and neglected. These lucky elephants will live out the rest of their lives in peace and dignity in a safe home on the Park's grounds. Founder of ENP, Sangduen Lek Chailert, who originates from a Thai hill tribe, began rescuing injured and mistreated elephants in 1992 and in 2003 established Elephant Nature Park.


ENP allows its rescued elephants to live the life of an elephant. No longer do they have to paint pictures, perform demeaning circus tricks or carry heavy benches on their backs for trekking rides. Instead they roam free, eating and playing as much as they like along the way. They can wander down to the river for a splash or a roll in the mud or join for feeding time at the visitors platform for their favourite treat of fresh fruit. Their elephants are free to choose their own family group, usually centering around one of several baby elephants at the Park and they can have as much or as little human interaction as they choose.


If you are interested in an unforgettable and moving elephant experience, if you would rather walk beside an elephant than ride on top of one then ENP is a great place to visit.


Other projects of Elephant Nature Foundation

  1. ❖Located on a remote mountaintop, Elephant Haven is a jungle retreat regularly visited by their elephants. Far from human encroachment, a visit to the Haven allows elephants to relax in their natural environment

  2. ❖Jumbo Express provides emergency medical care to elephants who would otherwise receive none. It also works to build ties with local populations and helps to improve human-elephant relationships

  3. ❖Their newest endeavor, the Surin Project, is an exciting continuation of their work at Elephant Nature Park. Located in the Surin province, the project works with local mahouts (elephant owners or handlers) who have previously used their elephants for street begging, circuses or trekking. The Surin Project provides a more natural, less stressful, and more sustainable alternative for these elephants

Sangduen "Lek" Chailert was born in 1962 in the small hill tribe village of Baan Lao, two hours north of Chiang Mai. Her love for elephants began when her grandfather, a traditional healer, received a baby elephant as payment for saving a man's life. Lek would spend many hours with her family's new friend, named Tongkum or Golden One, which would result in a passion that would shape the rest of her life.


Lek received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chiang Mai University, and from there moved into working in the elephant tourist industry. While helping owners of trekking companies locate unemployed elephants, Lek quickly learned about the abuse and neglect that domestic Asian elephants experience. With a love and respect for her country's national symbol and the knowledge that they were becoming endangered, Lek began advocating for the rights and welfare of Asian elephants in Thailand. In an industry that is steeped in its traditions, advocating for a change to the way domestic and wild Asian elephants are treated has not been an easy battle. But through hard work and determination her voice is beginning to be heard.


In addition to several documentaries about her work by National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, and the BBC, Lek has also been honored to receive many awards. In 2005, Time Magazine named her a Hero of Asia for her work in conservation. The Ford Foundation in association with National Geographic named Lek a Hero of the Planet in 2001. Additionally, she has received two honorary degrees from Rajabaht Chiang Mai University; a PhD in Sustainability and Conservation in 2002, and a PhD in Veterinary Science in 2006. Finally, the National Geographic documentary Vanishing Giants, highlighting Lek's work with the Asian elephant, was recognized by the Humane Society of the United States with the Genesis Award in 2003.


In the coming years Lek hopes to bring her message about conservation and the humane treatment of Asian elephants to more people in and outside of Thailand. She will also continue to improve the lives of the rescued elephants living at Elephant Nature Park and provide emergency healthcare to elephants in remote villages throughout Thailand.

ENP has superb facilities for groups of school children. Let’s get children involved and teach them about the plight of the Asian elephant. Trips are tailored to suit your needs.

For schools within Hong Kong please email [email protected] otherwise please contact ENP direct [email protected]

For further details please visit www.elephantnaturefoundation.org

School trips - take the kids!

The Founder of Elephant Nature Park, Sangduen “Lek” Chailert

ENP is perfect for day trips, overnight stays or 7 day volunteer programs. Many volunteers opt for 7 days at ENP and 7 days at their new Surin Project

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baan chang

fae hospital

surin project