Elephant Retirement Park

5 Joe Harris - 4 months ago

The overall experience was amazing. The driver was prompt in pickup at 7:30 and we made it to the reservation around 8:30. We did the 1/2 day and there were 12 in our group. The tour is simple. We feed the elephants and we walk/ hike up the jungle. The views are amazing at the top and the elephant continued to eat as we walked. The tour guide spoke great English and was very knowledgeable. After the walking/ feeding potion, we gave elephants a mud bath. Next was the rinse off in the pond which was very refreshing after being covered in mud. Lastly we showered and at a delicious lunch. The pictures the photographer took were $700 Baht which is pricey but the quality was amazing. He got some great shots.

5 Arnau Port Fernandez - a month ago

It was an amazing experience. I can't stress enough how worthy it was. Our guide Woody told us a lot of details about these magnificent creatures and also replied to all of our questions.
Also, the elephants seemed to be well treated and taken care off and they were never told what to do. (Aside from a couple photo tricks and we were going back to the camp). If the elephant wanted to go somewhere further in the jungle to eat, it was allowed to roam freely and wasn't forced to do otherwise.
Moreover, there was only 6 people in the group so that was lovely.
Whereas, usually the ones recommned by tourist information points are packed with 20-30 people.
Not only that, but the ones they recommned aren't as caring with the elephants, from what I read. We mentioned to a tourist information site that we were going to this place and insisted on we cancelling it and I'm so glad we never.

(We searched for the ones they offered and they didn't seem to be as friendly.)

So don't be lazy, do a little bit of research and your experience and the elephants one will be much more enjoyable. Don't contribute to places where the elephants are suffering.

4 Chet Dayal - 6 months ago

This is billed as a retirement home for elephants that have been rescued from commercial exploitation/ show animals. They get to while away their lives in this sanctuary and you get to pay for their upkeep. In return you get a memorable experience feeding bathing and playing with these majestic beasts. Rule #1: they are not there for your entertainment. You are !!

1 Xiao Li - 4 months ago

The tour was great. The tour guide was very Knowledgeable about the elephants and the mission of the retirement park. The intern and photographer were very nice. However, both my friend and I were harassed by one of the guys working at the elephant park. He came up behind me and grabbed my calve. I immediately screamed and asked “why are you touching me.” He walked off to entertain one of the elephants but he didn’t stick around. I made it aware to the group I was with, my tour guide and the intern. I said, “he can’t touch me or any part of my body without my consent.” They said they spoke with him and he usually gets complains. So this wasn’t his first rodeo. Today, I found out that, the same guy also grabbed friend’s leg as well. My friend screamed a few times yesterday, alarmed by the elephants because it was her first time interacting with them so I didn’t think much of it until our recap today. She mentioned he grabbed her leg too and screamed, and thought I saw, which I didn’t. Why is the guy touching people, several people from this tour…..? This is not okay!

5 Julius - 5 months ago

Easy, and quick booking.
We had an incredible experience whike feeding these elephants and bathing with them.
Atm they even have an elephant baby, that's just ridiculously cute.
The whole team has been very nice and polite.
We are definitely very happy with this elephant park.
In addition there are no doubt about unethical circumstances, these animals are treatend with lots of respect and love!

5 Nikolas Lauer - 8 months ago

Nice experience with what seems to me well kept and treated elephants.
We were there for half a day, could feed the elephants, took a walk with them and then bathed with two of them - because of the weather it was not sure if the elephants wanted to bath in the morning, but luckily they joined a bit in the end.
Elephants seemed to be treated well here and you could still enjoy hanging out with them ;)

Date of experience: December 2021

5 Olivia W-D - 6 months ago

Such a sweet experience!! very kind staff, all elephants are rescues and are treated extremely well. Definitely recommend:)