Help Us Rescue Abused Elephants

Adopt An Elephant

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids

Our Mission

The Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai is dedicated to providing a safe and loving haven for elephants rescued from forced labor and other unnatural acts. Our primary mission is to care for and cherish these majestic creatures, ensuring they live their lives in peace and dignity.

We stand firm in our independence from outside forces, refusing to let commercial influences compromise our commitment. This sanctuary is born from love, and we remain unwavering in our dedication to the well-being of our elephants.

We believe in the preservation and support of our local community. By purchasing local goods and food, and sourcing labor and materials from surrounding tribes, we aim to uplift and better the lives of those around us.

Education is a cornerstone of our sanctuary. Our experienced staff, who have worked with elephants for many years, are eager to share their extensive knowledge with our guests in an engaging and educational manner.

It is our honor to share this sanctuary with all our guests from around the World. We are thankful for those who support the Elephant Freedom Project, which allows us to maintain the highest level of care for our gentle giants.

We are committed to providing the best medical care possible. But, more than that, we give the love that these elephants deserve. We are their voice in all matters concerning their welfare.

Our Sanctuary

Staff Members

Elephant Freedom Project is comprised of local tribe members from the Mae Wang district of Chiang Mai. In Mae Wang, Thailand, the local tribes, including the Karen and Hmong communities, play a vital role in the cultural tapestry of the region. These communities contribute significantly to the local culture and economy because of their rich traditions, vibrant textiles, and skilled craftsmanship.

Many tribe members maintain a close relationship with nature, practicing sustainable farming and forest conservation, which are integral to their way of life and spiritual beliefs. Visitors to Mae Wang often have the opportunity to learn about traditional weaving, sample local cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality for which these tribes are renowned.

Chiang Mai is home to various ethical elephant sanctuaries, each offering unique experiences for visitors. One such sanctuary is the renowned Elephant Freedom Project, founded by Mr. Tanaseth, a leading advocate for elephant welfare.

Mr. Tanaseth

Founder

Thorn

Sanctuary Manager

Thorn & Shey

Shey Is Our Chef

Pat

Licensed Guide

WhatsApp Image 2024 06 17 at 11.07.48 6c144986 1

Mr. Tanaseth

Founder

Thorn, Elephant Freedom Project Manager

Thorn

Sanctuary Manager
Thorn & Wife. Elephant Freedom Project Staff

Thorn & Shey

Shey is our Chef

Pat Elephant Freedom project

Pat

Licensed Guide
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Elephant Food Festival

Join us each month for our elephant food festival. Adopt An Elephant Today And Make A difference. Help us feed and care for these amazing creatures. Receive Photos Of The Elephants’ Feast Monthly. Witness the elephant in sheer joy eating the treats you provided.

Did you know elephants eat 10% of their body weight each day? They can be around 200 kg each day. Amazing, I know. Adopt an elephant today by buying their favorite treats and nutritional requirements to stay healthy.

Elephant Family

Elephants are highly social creatures; their herd is crucial to their emotional and physical well-being. Staying with their herd allows elephants to form familial solid bonds essential for their development and survival.

Herds are typically led by an experienced matriarch who guides the group in finding food and water, teaches the young about social norms, and provides protection.  Isolation can lead to significant stress and behavioral issues for elephants, highlighting the importance of their tight-knit social groups.

Mae Dee

30 Yrs Old, Ping Tongs Mom

Puk Dee

8 Year Old Male

Mae Dee & Pin Tong

Mom and Son

Puk Dee

8 Year Old Baby

How Your Support Helps Us Move Forward

Adopt An Elephant. Your Support Matters

Donations play a crucial role in helping us fulfill our mission of rescuing abused elephants. Your generous contributions directly support the following areas:

  1. Rescue Operations: Funding the rescue of elephants from forced labor and abusive situations, providing them with a safe and loving environment.

  2. Healthcare and Nutrition: Ensuring that our elephants receive the best medical care and nutritious food necessary for their well-being and recovery.

  3. Habitat Improvement: Maintaining and enhancing the natural habitats where our elephants can roam freely and comfortably.

  4. Local Community Support: Purchasing local goods and services and employing local tribe members, uplifting the surrounding community and creating a sustainable support system.

  5. Educational Programs: Developing and delivering educational programs for our guests, allowing them to learn about elephant conservation and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures.

  6. Environmental Initiatives: Contributing to climate-saving efforts, such as carbon removal projects, to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Your support is invaluable in helping us provide a sanctuary where elephants can thrive and creating a positive impact on the local community and the environment. Thank you for being a part of our mission.

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alex nope profile picture
alex nope
5 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Estuvo increíble la experiencia. Incluye almuerzo. Lee la letra chica al reservar, porque no leí y te cobran es una parte. El saldo lo pagas a los guías en el sitio y en efectivo. Fui en auto particular y fácil llegar.
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Rob
5 September 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We last came here in 2023 and it was an incredible experience. We booked again, but unfortunately we had to cancel our booking due to a mistake we made with our plans. Mint was extremely understanding and helped us with a solution. Thank you, and we hope to come again sometime soon.
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Guilloud maud profile picture
Guilloud maud
26 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Un moment magique ! Sur notre parcours au sri Lanka, nous avons fait une halte pour découvrir cette association et ces 2 magnifiques éléphants… cela restera un des plus beau souvenir de notre séjour 🐘 Bravo pour cette association, pour penser tjrs au bien être animal et pour votre extrême gentillesse 🥰💋🫶🏻 l’équipe semble vraiment heureuse avec un métier qui a du sens et lors de la visite, ça se sent : de supers partages, des rires… merci pour tout 🫶🏻🥰💗
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Roger Lagart
25 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Pasar un día impresionante con elefantes felices y bien tratados Hemos pasado una experiencia increíble disfrutando de un tour de un día con estos bellos animales a los que alimentas, das un paseo con ellos (no sobre ellos) y bañas en un día inolvidable, es un Santuario Ético en los que los elefantes o han sido rescatados o han nacido allí, con grupos pequeños sin masificar ni agobiar al elefante y dejando a los elefantes a su aire donde ves la relación que tienen con su cuidador como si fueran familia. Era una de los aspectos que para nosotros era imperante y hemos podido verificar que están bien cuidados y sobre todo queridos y felices.
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Roger Lagart profile picture
Roger Lagart
25 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Pasar un día impresionante con elefantes felices y bien tratados Hemos pasado una experiencia increíble disfrutando de un tour de un día con estos bellos animales a los que alimentas, das un paseo con ellos (no sobre ellos) y bañas en un día inolvidable, es un Santuario Ético en los que los elefantes o han sido rescatados o han nacido allí, con grupos pequeños sin masificar ni agobiar al elefante y dejando a los elefantes a su aire donde ves la relación que tienen con su cuidador como si fueran familia. Era una de los aspectos que para nosotros era imperante y hemos podido verificar que están bien cuidados y sobre todo queridos y felices.
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Roger Martinez Rey
24 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Un santuario donde puedes compartir una experiencia junto a elefantes donde se nota que son felices y los cuidan con cariño.
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Holly Burton
12 August 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had such a wonderful experience at the Elephant Freedom Project! It was amazing to spend time with the elephants in a way that felt respectful, ethical, and focused on their well-being. Our tour guide, Pat, was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the elephants. Pat taught us so much about their behavior and care, which made the experience even more meaningful. Getting to see the elephants up close was unforgettable and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Thailand. If you’re looking for an ethical elephant experience, we highly recommend the Elephant Freedom Project. Thank you, Pat and the team, for making our day so special!
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chrissiekirkby
9 August 2026
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Amazing experience This is an experience you will remember for a long time. We did the full day tour. Our guide Pat, was very funny and so likeable. Him, and the other “mahouts” are so caring and respectful to their elephants. They are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do. One didn’t want to have a swim at the river. So it wandered off. No problem! They really are beautiful and intelligent creatures and being so close to them, respectfully, was a privilege. The surrounding jungle and hills are beautiful also, as is the drive to the place once you start getting to the hills. The road isn’t as windy as I thought it would be (I can get car sick if not sat in the front). Lunch was good and tailored to the tourist so not spicy at all, fried rice and Pad Thai with watermelon for afters. I did pack a 7-Eleven sandwich and crisps for my middle son as he is a fussy eater and I was glad I did this. Soft drinks and ice creams can be bought also. Tea, coffee & water is free. We also bought some lovely little handmade trinkets made by the Karen people. Your belongings are locked in a room whilst you are away. Thank you so much for such an amazing day for me and my family.
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chrissiekirkby profile picture
chrissiekirkby
9 August 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience This is an experience you will remember for a long time. We did the full day tour. Our guide Pat, was very funny and so likeable. Him, and the other “mahouts” are so caring and respectful to their elephants. They are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do. One didn’t want to have a swim at the river. So it wandered off. No problem! They really are beautiful and intelligent creatures and being so close to them, respectfully, was a privilege. The surrounding jungle and hills are beautiful also, as is the drive to the place once you start getting to the hills. The road isn’t as windy as I thought it would be (I can get car sick if not sat in the front). Lunch was good and tailored to the tourist so not spicy at all, fried rice and Pad Thai with watermelon for afters. I did pack a 7-Eleven sandwich and crisps for my middle son as he is a fussy eater and I was glad I did this. Soft drinks and ice creams can be bought also. Tea, coffee & water is free. We also bought some lovely little handmade trinkets made by the Karen people. Your belongings are locked in a room whilst you are away. Thank you so much for such an amazing day for me and my family.
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Dóra Mágocs profile picture
Dóra Mágocs
17 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Really nice and special experience, definitely recommend going! We were at the afternoon program, started with lunch, then fed the elephants and went on a tour with them, where they took a bath. It was very cool to touch and walk around these huge animals! The guide was really nice, answered all our questions and took plenty of photos and videos of us. I would recommend you to give your phone to the guide to take photos and videos, so you get the desired quality. There was supposed to be a waterfall tour that we did not go to at the end, even though it was mentioned as part of the program. It was fine without, but could have been nice to see it.
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Stay28228345797
12 July 2026
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Elephant freedom project moeite waard Dit was echt een top uitstap. Onze gids Boo bracht ons van Chiang Mai naar het reservaat. Hij was een top gids die zijn liefde voor olifanten op een heel mooie wijze deelt. Zelf mag je veel doen. Zo was het maken van het voedsel, voederen van de olifanten en het wandelen met de olifanten een heel unieke ervaring. Ook zie je dat de olifanten veel vrijheid hebben en goed behandeld worden. Dit vonden we zeer belangrijk. Dit was een activiteit om nooit te vergeten.
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Stay28228345797 profile picture
Stay28228345797
12 July 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Elephant freedom project moeite waard Dit was echt een top uitstap. Onze gids Boo bracht ons van Chiang Mai naar het reservaat. Hij was een top gids die zijn liefde voor olifanten op een heel mooie wijze deelt. Zelf mag je veel doen. Zo was het maken van het voedsel, voederen van de olifanten en het wandelen met de olifanten een heel unieke ervaring. Ook zie je dat de olifanten veel vrijheid hebben en goed behandeld worden. Dit vonden we zeer belangrijk. Dit was een activiteit om nooit te vergeten.