Conservation Efforts

Elephant Forest Phitsanulok

About Us

Creating a Forever Home: For Elephants Who Can’t Go Back to the Wild

When people hear the word ”elephant camp” or “elephant sanctuary” they might wonder why these large wild animals aren’t living freely in the forest. Isn’t it unnatural to keep them in human-made places? Wouldn’t they be happier in the wild? The answer lies in Thailand’s history with the logging industry.

During the reign of King Rama V, Thailand allowed foreign companies, such as the British Borneo Company, to operate logging concessions in Thai forests. Wild elephants were captured from the forests, trained, and used as the main workforce to transport logs out of the forest, as they are both strong and intelligent.

Over time, widespread logging caused serious deforestation. By 1989, forest area in Thailand had dropped to just 27.95% of the country’s land. The Thai government then decided to stop all logging activities and canceled every logging concession. As a result, these captive elephants that had worked in the logging industry suddenly lost their jobs.

Releasing these captive elephants back into the wild wasn’t possible. Many of them had already become dependent on humans. Most importantly, the remaining forests were not enough to support them. At the same time, wild elephants were already struggling – many didn’t have enough food and started entering farmland, where they were at risk of being injured or killed. Adding more captive elephants into these pressured habitats would only increase the human-elephant conflict.

To provide care and a new purpose for captive elephants, many were brought into the tourism industry. They worked by giving rides and performing shows. Because elephants are intelligent and trainable, they were able to adapt to this new role. In fact, most captive elephants over the age of 40 today once worked in logging.

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we focus on giving these captive elephants a safe and peaceful life. We provide food, medical care, and a caring environment so they can live happily and comfortably for the rest of their lives.

These captive elephants cannot return to the forest. This is their final home, and we are committed to giving them the best life possible.

Forest preservation initiatives

A Living Forest for Elephants, Wildlife, and People At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, our forest is not just a place of beauty— it is a vital source of life. Covering 360 acres of native landscape, our sanctuary is home to tens of thousands of trees. These trees form a complex ecosystem that sustains soil, protects water cycles, and nurtures biodiversity—everything from butterflies and birds to elephants and people.

But our commitment goes deeper than just preserving trees. Here’s how.

The Forest as a Natural Pharmacy and Dining Table for Elephants

In the wild, elephants walk an average of several kilometers a day to forage for food. A diverse forest like ours allows them to rediscover those instincts—browsing bark, leaves, roots, and seasonal fruits as they roam. Experts have identified dozens of wild herbs and medicinal plants growing naturally here—many of which elephants instinctively seek when they feel unwell.  For example, an elephant with an upset stomach may chew on specific bark as a natural remedy. This self-healing behavior is only possible in a forest rich in plant diversity. Having a forest filled with natural nutrients, minerals, and medicinal plants is a cornerstone in helping rescued elephants regain their health, instincts, and independence.

A Forest That Feeds People, Too

Our forest doesn’t only support elephants. It also provides seasonal wild foods and herbs for our local staff and mahouts. From edible ferns and mushrooms to traditional medicinal plants used to stop bleeding or soothe bee stings—this forest is deeply connected to the way of life of the people who care for it.  Preserving the forest is also about preserving wisdom, culture, and food security for our team and their families.

Thoughtful Tree Care, Not Control

We avoid cutting trees unless absolutely necessary. When we must intervene, we do so with care—trimming only to promote health or safety, and encouraging natural regeneration wherever possible. We see every tree as a guardian of the ecosystem, and we let the forest shape itself with time.

Carbon Capture and Climate Action

Though quiet, trees are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. By protecting our forest, we help absorb carbon, reduce heat, and maintain ecological balance—one tree, one day at a time. Our forest contributes meaningfully to a global movement toward sustainability.

Biodiversity in Every Root and Branch

The rich biodiversity of Elephant Forest is no accident—it is a result of careful protection and a commitment to native flora. Every tree, vine, and shrub plays a role in maintaining balance. The forest is alive with birdsong, butterflies, insects, and wild herbs—forming a resilient web of life.

Community Participation and Reforestation

We work with local communities, volunteers, and students to plant and protect trees—not for profit, but for restoration. Through seed banks, native saplings, and mindful reforestation, we continue to grow the forest—tree by tree, together. “Each tree we protect or plant is a promise—to the land, to future generations, and to the elephants who call this forest home.”

Sustainable Elephant Food Systems

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we are surrounded by 360 acres of natural forest. The forest provides shade, wild herbs, and natural foraging opportunities—but it’s not enough. Each elephant eats around 200 to 300 kilograms of food per day. A forest of this size cannot fully meet that need, so we must find additional food sources.

In the past, we relied on pineapple leaves and banana stalks from nearby farms, as well as seasonal fruits. However, these sources have become less reliable—some farmers no longer grow pineapple, and there are growing concerns about chemical use. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we joined the “Build Back Better” project by World Animal Protection World Animal Protection (WAP), which helped us begin growing our own food on-site. With their support, we installed a solar-powered irrigation system and started planting Napier grass and bananas. This system now helps reduce our dependence on external crops. We are continuing to expand our planting areas and improve food security for our elephants. We are grateful to World Animal Protection (WAP) for their support and for helping us take an important step toward a more sustainable future.

Partner with World Animal Protection (WAP)

Wildlife Habitat Protection

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we care for more than just elephants. Over the years, people have brought us animals like deer and wild boars, asking for our help in giving them a safe place to live. These animals now live within fenced areas—not for entertainment, but for protection.

Our forest is also home to many wild species that live freely. We strictly prohibit all forms of wildlife hunting on our land.

Even in this small forest, we’ve observed surprising biodiversity: wild deer, jungle rabbits, flying squirrels, monitor lizards, civets, turtles, softshell turtles, snakes, geckos, frogs, fish, and over 50 species of birds. We also see many insects and butterflies that thrive in this natural environment.

Having a forest means having an ecosystem—one where many different species can find food, shelter, and safety. This is becoming rare as natural spaces disappear. We hope that this forest will remain a safe refuge for wildlife, not just today, but for generations to come.

Community involvement

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we see our role not only as caretakers of elephants and forests—but also as neighbors in the local community. Over the years, we’ve tried to take part in ways that feel meaningful. Some projects are small and simple, others ongoing. But the intention is always the same: to contribute where we can.

Here are some of the ways we’ve been involved

We source elephant food like pineapple leaves and banana stalks from nearby farms.
Most of our staff come from the surrounding area, often working alongside family members.
We’ve organized visits to a local children’s foundation, and invited youth to join forest-based learning.
We support animal welfare in the area by helping with dog and cat sterilization.
We’re preparing to open space for local people to sell their products during events and special programs.
Whenever possible, we purchase locally made crafts and seasonal fruits as souvenirs or gifts for guests—especially for elders and community visitors.
Some of these efforts are regular. Others happen when time and resources allow. But together, they reflect a direction we care deeply about—living with our
community, not just next to it.

Educational programs

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we believe that real change begins when people understand the lives and needs of elephants—not through entertainment, but through meaningful learning. Over the years, we’ve welcomed learners of all kinds—from local schoolchildren and university students to visitors from across the world. Some are here for a few hours, some for weeks. All come with curiosity, and all leave with new understanding. We offer educational activities tailored for every age group—from kindergarten field trips to adult conservation workshops. We are proud of what we’ve built, and we are committed to continually improving—so that more people, near and far, can connect with elephants, the forest, and the values of respectful care.

Please contact us if you are interested in a specially tailored program for your school, group, or organization.

Help Us Build a Sustainable Home for Elephants

At Elephant Forest Phitsanulok, we believe that sustainability should come from value—not dependency.  We were founded by the Siriviriyakul family, who continue to support our work through the Sappraiwan Elephant Foundation. The foundation was created to separate elephant care from business risk and ensure long-term wellbeing—regardless of what happens in the tourism industry.

Our vision is to sustain elephant care and learning programs through meaningful tourism—where every visit helps fund well-being, education, and conservation. We are building a social business model—one that runs on ethical elephant tourism, environmental education, and community collaboration.

Ways You Can Support

Visit

Join our elephant-friendly programs and experience respectful, education-based tourism. You can also enjoy local experiences with us—such as white water rafting or community tours. These not only enrich your trip, but also support the people who call this place home.

Shop

By buying souvenirs and seasonal products from us, you support both our work and nearby families who provide handmade crafts and local fruit.

Spread the Word

Tell your friends about us. Share what you’ve seen and learned. Awareness makes a difference.

Support Us

While we don’t rely on donations, we welcome them with care. Contributions go directly toward long-term sustainability projects—like forest protection, elephant food systems, and conservation education.

Support Us

Account Name : Sappraiwan Elephant Foundation

Bank : Krungthai Bank (KTB)

Account Number : 602-0-51981-3

SWIFT Code : KRTHTHBK

Contact us if you'd like a receipt or more information. Thank you for being part of this journey.  Together, we’re building more than a sanctuary—we’re shaping a future.

Elephant Forest Phitsanulok

About Us