Maew Suriya’s Journey to Samui Elephant Haven
Growing up in a family that moved from Surin Province to run a circus, Maew was inspired from the young age of seven. Despite training as an accountant, his heart always belonged to the elephants.
A visit to Elephant Nature Park and meeting Lek Chailert turned his dream into a mission: to create a sanctuary where elephants could live freely and happily. Since our doors opened in August 2018, Samui Elephant Haven has become a sanctuary for 14 rescued elephants. Once trapped in stressful lives, they now roam free, expressing natural behaviours in serene surroundings. Our approach is simple: love over profit. We prioritize the well-being of these magnificent creatures, offering visitors a chance to witness elephant joy without intruding on their space.
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED SINCE 2018
At Samui Elephant Haven, we’re pioneering a compassionate form of elephant tourism. Inspired by Sangduean ‘Lek’ Chailert’s ‘Saddle Off’ model, our sanctuary offers a space where elephants recover and thrive. Visitors have the unique opportunity to feed and observe our elephants, learn about their behaviours, and contribute to a future where elephants and humans live in harmony.
Your visit makes a difference. By choosing Samui Elephant Haven, you support ethical tourism and contribute to the welfare of our rescued elephants. Explore our gift shop for ethically sourced souvenirs, and become a part of our community striving for a better future for elephants. Together, we can continue to provide a safe haven for these beautiful creatures, ensuring their stories of resilience and recovery are heard far and wide.
THE PARK
The Sanctuary is designed with perimeter fencing to provide a secure environment for the elephants, ensuring their safety. We have created enclosures for various needs – whether nurturing young calves, recuperating from illness, or simply resting after a day filled with joy and play. These measures ensure our elephants can live as naturally and comfortably as possible.
United for Ethical Elephant Conservation
Both are owned and operated by a family with a deep-rooted passion for elephant welfare, the two sanctuaries have long been at the forefront of this noble cause. Our unwavering commitment to the well-being of elephants is reflected in our humane approach to caring for these gentle giants. Unlike the conventional tourist-oriented elephant camps that exploit these animals, Phangan Elephant Sanctuary and Samui Elephant Haven are havens where elephants can live a life free from chains and the burden of carrying tourists on their backs.
