Bringing elephants back home to the forest
More than 4,500 elephants live in captivity in Thailand, often in inadequate conditions. At Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, we work to return them to a semi-wild environment, where they can roam freely in the forest, forage naturally, and form social bonds.
True change comes from working together. Partnering with over 200 Karen people, we connect elephant conservation with sustainable livelihoods, ensuring both people and wildlife thrive. Our efforts also protect forests, wild gibbons, and other native species.
Recognised with multiple awards for ethical tourism and animal welfare, we invite you to be part of the change. Book a visit to our sanctuary today!
OUR WORK IN ACTION
What we care about
Our work is about creating real change for elephants in Thailand by providing solutions that support elephants, local communities, and the environment. By meeting local people’s needs and promoting ethical coexistence, we’re building a future where everyone benefits.
Elephant Care
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Maintaining a single elephant in the forest requires a minimum of 33,000 THB per month. With our short-term visitor and internship programmes, we cover these costs, while you can experience both elephant and community projects.
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If visiting or taking an internship at our sanctuary isn't possible for you but you'd like to contribute, you have the option to make a donation, which supports one of our elephants.
Our model brings 100% of all donations directly to conservation programmes.
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Improving conditions for captive elephants requires more comprehensive research and collaboration. There's still much to learn about Asian elephants to support better welfare practices.
Through our publications we can support not only our elephants, but also other ones in Thailand.
People & Community
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With our short-term and internship programmes, we support our community by hosting our visitors in local homestays, which provide a sustainable source of income. Additionally, we run various other projects to further benefit the community.
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We actively preserve Karen culture by learning the Karen language, participating in local celebrations such as weddings, festivals, and church gatherings, and joining in fieldwork. We also support and learn traditional handicrafts and local cuisine, helping to keep these cultural traditions alive.
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We help maintain the village and forest by organising daily litter pick-ups to keep the area clean. Additionally, we care for village dogs by providing food and treating them for fleas, vaccinating, and spaying them to ensure their well-being. These are just some of the ways we contribute to the community.
ELEPHANT CARE
Book a visit
No strategy will succeed without the commitment of people. Your stay, no matter how long, plays a crucial role in covering our elephant costs, allowing them to roam in the forest. Your support is a key part of this collective effort to make a lasting impact.
Short-stay visit
If you want to help returning elephants to the forest, improve their welfare, and support conservation, we’d love to have you. Your involvement also helps support local communities in their efforts to live sustainably. A short-term visit is a great way to make a difference.
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Price
1 person = 10,000THB (approx. $300USD/£240/420AUD)
2+ persons = 5,300THB per person (approx. $165USD/£140/240AUD)
This price includes transport, accommodation and meals.
ProgrammeYou will get the chance to hike to the forest to find and observe the elephants and their natural behaviours. You will learn about them and the elephant situation in Thailand.
Additionally, you will stay with a Karen family in a private room. You will be able to cook with them, and learn how to basket weave from one of the elders.
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Price
1 person = 11,500THB (approx. $350USD/£290/500AUD)
2+ persons = 7500THB per person (approx. $230USD/£190/320AUD)
This price includes transport, accommodation and meals.
ProgrammeIn addition to the Elephants 2 days programme you will learn more about elephants with an additional hike and presentations.
You will be able to support and connect with the local community even more by optionally joining English classes for kids, learning Karen language, biohiking and more.
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Price
Price: 2+ persons = 15,000THB per person ($450USD/£340/640AUD)
Solo travelers: Please get in touch to check if a group is already operating.
This price includes transport, accommodation and meals.
ProgrammeIn addition to the Elephants and Community 3 days programme you will support and learn about both elephants and gibbons.
Additionally, you will live in two Karen communities and will be able to help with coffee, tea or rice plantations, weave with local artisans and visit a local cave.
Internship
For those eager to immerse themselves further and make a meaningful impact, our internship program (1 to 8 weeks) offers a deeper experience. Join us to help return elephants to the forest, improve their welfare, and support ethical minority communities.
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Every morning we will hike to our elephants to collect data on their natural behaviour, association, calf development or foraging.
The afternoons will include completing project work and community activities. Some evenings will be spent giving presentations on elephant research or conservation to create awareness and educate our guests.
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You will contribute to our social media by taking high resolution content of our elephants during the hikes. Additionally, you can take images and videos of the local community in the village and during activities at the nursery, school and celebrations.
You will also work on a side project during your stay, supporting our marketing initiatives and creative projects.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
Karen community
The Karen people, known as elephant keepers, rely on nature for their livelihood. KSES supports elephant care while offering sustainable alternatives.
BLOG
People’s stories
Dive deeper into life at the sanctuary through the eyes of our past interns. From caring for elephants to working with the local community, they share their challenges, adventures, and unforgettable moments.
Contact us
kselephantsanctuary@gmail.com
Ban Naklang, Moo 2, Mae Suek, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai 50270