In this guest article, we welcome a former resident of Thailand, Jenny Littlewood. Jenny and her husband share a passion for responsible tourism and encourage visitors to learn about the issues facing wildlife in Thailand and the ways you can make a positive impact on wildlife conservation.
Although there are a plethora of wildlife experiences in Thailand, finding an ethical one isn’t always easy. Amongst the projects doing outstanding work in this area of responsible tourism is Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). They have been operating for over 20 years and a visit to their wildlife centre offers an opportunity to learn about their work, see the wildlife, and understand more about animal conservation in Thailand.
(Photo: WFFT)
What is the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand?
Founded in 2001, WFFT operates the largest multi-species wildlife rescue centre and elephant refuge in Southeast Asia. Known for its pioneering work in animal conservation, WFFT has caught worldwide attention and has been featured on National Geographic, Animal Planet, and Bondi Vet.
Located approximately 40 minutes from Hua Hin in Phetchaburi province, the sanctuary is home to over 700 animals with many rescued from tragic circumstances. A visit to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand supports animal welfare and is a perfect way for your tourist Baht to assist WFFT’s work.
“By making responsible choices, we can collectively work towards promoting ethical wildlife tourism and conservation, whether in Thailand or anywhere else. Let us be good friends of wildlife.”
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand
Visiting WFFT
You can visit Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand either on a full or half-day experience or even stay as an overnight guest. WFFT also offers a paid residential volunteer program for varying lengths of time from a week to several months.
The half-day experience offers a guided walk through WFFT’s wildlife sanctuary. Their work is dedicated to the care and protection of 65 species, 22 of which are endangered or critically endangered. You will see elephants, gibbons, macaques, bears, otters, birds, reptiles, and many more.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood | Little Wandering Wren)
Whether you opt for the half-day or full-day tour, a Thai buffet lunch (meat and vegetarian options available) is included. The restaurant overlooks Thailand’s largest elephant enclosure and visitors can also watch the playful gibbons swinging from their ropes on Gibbon Island.
During your guided visit you’ll learn all about WFFT and its challenges. You’ll see the animals, hear their stories, and learn about the efforts to end the exploitation of wild animals for tourist entertainment. The guides are masters at explaining the historical, social and economic issues behind the rescued animals’ stories. It is sad to learn about man’s inhumane treatment of animals, but it’s also incredibly uplifting to understand the inspiring work being done at the sanctuary.
On the full-day experience, the visit continues after lunch with a safari bus ride through the Newlands Area where you can observe even more rescued animals living in large open fields.
(Photo: WFFT)
Primate Rehabilitation Centre: Visit various species of primates and learn about the challenges they face due to illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction.
Bear Sanctuary: Discover the efforts to rescue and rehabilitate captive bears, many of which have been rescued from terrible conditions.
Tiger Rescue Centre: This is not just a sanctuary but a forever home for those who cannot safely be returned to the wild. The sanctuary’s commitment to providing a near-natural environment for rescued tigers, where they can run around and swim in large pools, is a testament to its dedication to animal welfare.
Elephant Refuge: WFFT is a leader in captive elephant management and welfare. A hands-off experience enables visitors to feed and get up close and personal with the elephants in a cruelty-free and non-exploitative way.
Stay at I Love Phants Lodge
Accommodation is available at I Love Phants Lodge located within the grounds of WFFT. The lodge offers an immersive overnight experience where you can fall asleep to the sounds of wildlife. When you book a stay at these eco-inspired lodges you are supporting WFFT and wildlife conservation.
More details: www.ilovephants.org
(Photo: WFFT)
Advice from WFFT for ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand
WFFT offers various suggestions for ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand. Their advice includes:
- Don’t participate in photo props: Don’t have photos taken with wild animals that are used as props such as gibbons, slow loris, tigers, birds of prey and snakes.
- Don’t visit animal shows and performances: Say no to attractions that feature animals performing tricks or engaging in unnatural behaviours.
- Don’t ride elephants: Riding elephants can cause physical and psychological harm. It can also perpetuate the cycle of exploitation in the tourist industry.
- Do research: Do your own research to ensure you are visiting a legitimate sanctuary or ethical animal centre where animals are treated with respect and allowed to roam freely.
- Do learn about local wildlife: Take the opportunity to learn about Thailand’s diverse wildlife and the efforts being made to protect them. Consider participating in educational programs or guided tours led by knowledgeable conservationists.
- Do respect boundaries: If you encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing or feeding them. In Thailand, you may see macaques in urban settings. These are wild animals and you should not feed them because it can influence the animal’s habits and attitude towards humans.
(Photo: Jenny Littlewood | Little Wandering Wren)
How to get to WFFT
A visit to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is more than just an opportunity to see exotic animals. It’s a chance to learn and engage in responsible tourism, contribute to the well-being of abused and neglected animals, and support ongoing conservation efforts.
WFFT is located in Phetchaburi province around three hours south-west of Bangkok or one hour north-west of Hua Hin. Transport to WFFT can be arranged from Bangkok, Cha Am or Hua Hin. Contact WFFT for full details and prices.
WFFT limits the number of guests each day and is often fully booked a few days in advance so booking early is advised. For more details on WFFT and I Phants Lodge see the links below:
- Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (website)
- I Love Phants Lodge (website)
- Jenny’s experience at I Love Phants Lodge
Little Wandering Wren
Jenny Littlewood is the Chief Explorer at Little Wandering Wren’s award-winning travel blog. Both a Brit and an Aussie, she has lived in several countries in Asia, including Thailand.
