Blue Daily Elephant Care Sanctuary in Chiang Mai is a truly unique destination, and a shining example of a place where rescued elephants frolic freely amidst Thailand’s lush landscape. Picture this: Baifan and Maethongkam, two of Blue Daily’s beloved pachyderms, wander gracefully, their beauty best observed from afar by eager, yet mindful tourists. (Photo courtesy of Rosie Leishman)
Thailand, renowned for its captivating elephant experiences, invites travelers from around the globe to witness the majesty of these gentle giants. However, with growing awareness of ethical tourism, visitors are now urged to practice caution, steering clear of hands-on interactions. World Animal Protection Thailand advocates for camps to quit using elephants for tourist entertainment, urging a ban on interactions like bathing and feeding.
The quest for a “truly ethical” sanctuary isn’t without its challenges, as many intrepid travelers discover. Chiang Mai, the epicenter of Thailand’s elephant tourism, boasts approximately 90 camps with a total population of 871 elephants, according to the Livestock Department. The notion of ethical sanctuaries is clouded by superficial claims, as some still offer activities like mud-bathing, under the guise of eco-friendliness.
LuLu Foures, a curious French university student, recounts her journey through Chiang Mai: “Finding an ethical sanctuary became a conundrum, as many professed their righteousness while subtly offering baths or encouraging hand-feeding, masking their true intentions,” said Foures, reflecting on her travels.
Tragedy struck in December 2024 when a 22-year-old Spanish tourist met with unfortunate fate at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre in Phangnga province. This incident reverberated through the traveler community, reinforcing the importance of exercising utmost caution during such excursions. Maggie Gibson, a 22-year-old globetrotter from New Zealand, explained, “Our choice of a no-touch sanctuary was deliberate. The tragic death of the young tourist reinforced the idea that elephants, too, crave peace, undisturbed by human contact.”
Delving deeper into the facets of elephant tourism unveils an unsettling reality. Over half of Thailand’s elephants—5,359 to be precise—reside in captivity across 245 camps nationwide. This reliance on tourism becomes the lifeline for many camps, as conveyed by Trunks Up, an organization dedicated to protecting Asia’s elephants. They declare that commercial elephant tourism often masquerades under misleading promotions, concealing the harsh conditions elephants endure.
Some travelers are skeptical, even refusing to step into sanctuaries due to concerns over authenticity. Catherine Baldwin, a solo traveler from the UK, expressed her hesitations: “Despite rigorous research, uncertainty lingered. Trusting these sanctuaries can be an unsettling experience, making for a less enjoyable visit,” said Baldwin.
Enter Blue Daily, where elephants roam across 50 sprawling acres (126 rai), far removed from touch-and-feel interactions. Here, each elephant is tended by a mahout of the Karen tribe, keeping the tradition alive through generations. Billy, a guide with a decade of experience, affirms the sanctuary’s mantra: “Our mission is to foster happiness among the elephants, free from human interference.”
LuLu Foures chose Blue Daily after meticulous research for a genuine ethical experience. Observing elephants at their own pace was a transformative journey, where she learned, “At Blue Daily, elephants come first. We mirrored their rhythm, ensuring interactions were solely initiated by the elephants themselves.”
The pandemic’s wrath clawed at Thailand’s elephant tourism industry, while World Animal Protection (WAP) estimates its annual revenue at a staggering US$770 million (approximately 25.8 billion baht) before COVID-19 reshaped everything. Sanctuaries like Blue Daily survived these trying times through generous donations from kind-hearted philanthropists.
One anonymous adventurer recounts volunteering at Elephant Nature Park, a renowned sanctuary helmed by the indomitable Saengduean Chailert. This individual joined a group of fifty, contributing 4-6 hours daily in park restoration and food preparation. “Initially, apprehensions loomed regarding potential unethical practices. But witnessing the care Lek and her husband Darrick extend to the elephants dispelled all doubts,” shared the volunteer. A skywalk project promises to enhance the sanctuary’s commitment to hands-off observation.
The debate rages on: while elephant tourism sustains thousands, the specter of “ethical” greenwashing casts shadows on sanctuaries offering touch-and-bathe experiences, potentially deterring discerning travelers. The unspoken plea is for a future rich in authentic, cruelty-free encounters, celebrating the majestic elephants in their rightful habitat.
I’m skeptical about these ‘ethical’ claims. Can we really trust these so-called sanctuaries when tourists still pay for bathing elephants?
It’s really about doing your research! Some sanctuaries are genuine, but so many exploit the ethical label.
True, it just feels impossible to know what’s real. I wouldn’t want to support any place that pretends to be ethical.
Exactly! Tourists just want a good Instagram picture most of the time.
I went to Blue Daily and it was magical seeing the elephants free and happy. No touching or bathing, just observing!
That’s the kind of place I want to visit! Supporting true sanctuaries is crucial.
Definitely. It’s worth investing in an authentic experience where the welfare of elephants is prioritized.
Why not just avoid sanctuaries altogether? It seems safer and more ethical to just see elephants in the wild.
That’s not viable for everyone. Plus, supporting ethical sanctuaries can help improve conditions for exploited elephants.
I see your point, but the idea of captivity still bothers me. Wild habitats aren’t always accessible though.
Seeing them in the wild would be ideal, but the preservation of some already captive elephants may depend on ethical sanctuaries.
Indigenous mahouts working with elephants sounds more respectful to their heritage. Is this common at other locations?
Yes, though not all places incorporate traditional knowledge effectively. Some only use it as a marketing gimmick.
I’ve seen firsthand the downsides of mass tourism on sanctuaries. It’s heartbreaking how some places sacrifice animal welfare for profit.
That’s such a shame considering how much tourists pay to visit these attractions. Cultural sensitivity is key!
Absolutely! More awareness and demand for authentic experiences could pressure less ethical places to improve.
Why not implement stricter international standards for elephant tourism that everyone has to follow?
It’s all about money, sadly. As long as people pay, these dubious sanctuaries will operate.
So frustrating! We need more informed tourists who genuinely care about animal welfare.
Yes, education is paramount! It’s also a cycle, better-informed people means better practices over time.
How do traveler reviews rate these sanctuaries? They often give a more honest picture than promotional material.
We should give credit to sanctuaries like Blue Daily that rebounded from the pandemic stresses without compromising on their ethical values.
True! It shows that dedication to true sanctuary practices doesn’t have to mean economic failure.
In the end, it’s the responsibility of the tourist to choose wisely. But governments should step up and enforce regulations more effectively.
I feel like social media glorifies unethical practices by circulating pictures of people playing with elephants.
Absolutely. Platforms should discourage such posts and promote ethical tourism instead.
Influencers could use their platforms to make ethical choices more appealing and fashionable.