The elephants that live in this gorgeous Jungle are cared for by local Karen families, a community indigenous to Thailand and Myanmar with a deep cultural connection to nature. Traditionally, Karen people relied on elephants for logging, but when the practice was banned, many were left with no choice but to lease their elephants to trekking camps. In these camps, the elephants were often overworked, forced to perform in shows and provide rides for tourists, which severely impacted their physical and emotional well-being.

Over time, greater awareness of the harm caused by these practices led Karen elephant owners to seek more ethical alternatives. This was the case with the elephants at Elephant Eco Trails, whose owners brought them back to the jungle over a decade ago, allowing them to live more freely in their natural environment. Here, the elephants can forage, socialise with one another, and thrive in the wild, while still benefiting from ethical tourism that is beneficial for the animals, local communities and the environment.

Today, our herd includes Non Pong, Gili, Honey, Buay, Boo Jhan, and Luna - the newest and youngest addition to the family. Each of these elephants has their own story, most of them having once endured the hardships of the tourism industry. By visiting Elephant Eco Trails, you’re helping support a movement toward more responsible, humane treatment of elephants, ensuring they live healthier, more fulfilling lives in the environment they were always meant to call home!