Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary located in Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, about 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city. Founded in the 1990s by conservationist Sangduen Lek Chailert, it provides refuge for rescued elephants, along with dogs, cats and other animals. The sanctuary is known for its observation-only, no-riding approach and focuses on ethical care, veterinary treatment and conservation education for visitors.

Visitors can expect a large natural sanctuary with open fields, river and forested areas where herds of rescued elephants roam, bathe and socialize freely. Visits are guided and observation-based, with opportunities to watch elephants from viewing platforms, walk alongside them with guides, and observe feeding. The site includes a visitor centre, vegetarian cafe, shelters and veterinary facilities, plus separate areas for rescued dogs and cats. All visits require advance booking and include guided interpretation about elephant behavior and care.

Founded in the mid-1990s by Sangduen Lek Chailert (Lek Chailert), the park was established as a sanctuary for distressed and injured elephants, expanding from a small rescue project to a large rehabilitation centre that also shelters dogs, cats and other rescued animals.

Represents a shift toward ethical elephant tourism in Thailand, promoting observation-based care, conservation education and community-based protection of elephants, and is widely recognized as a model for humane elephant welfare.