About Joy Elephant Sanctuary
Joy Elephant Sanctuary (JES), located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was established with the vision of fostering a deep bond between humans, elephants, and nature. Founded as a joint initiative between the Karen Hill Tribe and passionate individuals, our sanctuary is driven by a commitment to treat elephants with Joy, Love, Care, and Respect.
At Joy Elephant Sanctuary, we stand apart from traditional elephant camps by refusing to allow elephant riding or forced interactions. Our goal is to provide a stress-free refuge for elephants rescued from industries like logging. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we secured land that is ideal for their well-being, allowing them to live freely and harmoniously with nature.
We prioritize ethical, sustainable care, ensuring the elephants’ happiness and health, which comes with its own set of costs. Through the support of our visitors, we can continue this important mission. In return, guests enjoy an educational, responsible, and unforgettable experience, all while contributing to a peaceful environment for the elephants.
An Observation Learning
Our goal is to create an environment where visitors can learn and understand the lives of elephants through observation. Here, elephants can be themselves, freely expressing their personalities and remarkable intelligence.
The Ethical Environment
Surrounded by forests and flowing rivers, our sanctuary is an ideal habitat for elephants. We ensure the well-being of the Elephants by having year-round food supply & opportunities for visitors to help grow food for them.
Support Local
Activities benefit elephants, locals, and visitors by supporting the community & promoting sustainable farming practices. This also creates job opportunities and provides locals with knowledge for a better quality of life.
Mae-Noi's New Beginning
- Mae-Noi, born in 1985 and now 39 years old, previously endured the hardships of a riding camp.
- Elephants in such camps can suffer from physical and psychological issues due to the constant weight of the riders and the repetitive nature of their tasks, often under poor living conditions. Recognizing her need for a better life, we brought Mae-Noi to Joy Elephant Sanctuary.
- Here, she no longer has to carry burdens other than the natural plants she walks through. Mae Noi can now enjoy her days in leisure and peace, just as every elephant should.
Mo-Ka-Der's Journey to Safety
- Mo-Ka-Der, our graceful elephant, was born in 1970s, making her over 50 years old.
- She spent many years laboring in the logging industries, a common yet grueling fate for elephants in parts of Asia. Working in such conditions often leads to severe physical strain, injuries, and long-term health problems due to the heavy loads and harsh working environments.
- Now, Mo-Ka-Der has found a serene home with us at Joy Elephant Sanctuary, where she can roam freely, bathe in our peaceful waters, and live her golden years in the comfort and care she truly deserves.
Our Mission
At Joy Elephant Sanctuary, our mission is to provide ethical elephant experiences that prioritize observation over interaction. Visitors have the opportunity to witness elephants in their natural habitat, learning about sustainable tourism and ethical conservation practices. We proudly collaborate with the local Karen community, blending their cultural traditions into our programs.
In addition to elephant care, we are dedicated to educating and empowering local communities. Our goal is to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that both elephants and future generations thrive in harmony with nature.
Why Choose Us?
At Joy Elephant Sanctuary, we offer more than just a visit—we provide an ethical, responsible, immersive, and unforgettable experience centered around elephant welfare, environmental care, and local community support.