Our lovely herd at

Samui Elephant Home
Caring and Education center

Maria

From Hard Labor to Freedom

Meet Maria, a remarkable female elephant born in 1981 in Ayutthaya province, Thailand. Like many elephants of her time, Maria’s early years were spent working in the logging industry, where she endured six years of grueling labor, hauling heavy logs through forests.

After the logging industry was banned in Thailand, Maria’s owner relocated her to Koh Samui, where she spent over seven years working at an elephant riding camp, carrying tourists on her back day after day.

On September 2, 2019, Maria’s life changed forever. Rescued from the elephant trekking camp by Samui Elephant Home, she was given the opportunity to retire from hard labor and start a new chapter in a caring and ethical environment.

Today, Maria thrives in her new home, where she enjoys freedom and respect. She spends her days roaming freely in natural surroundings, grazing on fresh grass, and engaging in her natural behaviors.

Hong

A New Chapter of Friendship and Freedom

Hong, a gentle 48-years-old female elephant, has spent much of her life in the elephant riding industry, where she endured years of hard work and physical strain. After decades of labor, her life has finally changed for the better. Rescued by Samui Elephant Home, Hong now enjoys the peace and care she truly deserves.

In her new home, Hong has transformed. She’s happier, healthier, and surrounded by love and companionship. One of the highlights of her days is spending time with her best friend, Maria, another rescued elephant at the sanctuary. The bond between Hong and Maria is heartwarming—they are inseparable.

Together, they love to splash and play in the mud baths, which not only bring them joy but also help protect their skin from insects and the sun. Bathing together in the cool water is another favorite activity, where their playful and carefree nature truly shines.

At Samui Elephant Home, Hong’s well-being is our top priority. She now has the freedom to roam in a natural environment, graze on fresh grass, and form lasting bonds with other elephants. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that ethical tourism and conservation efforts can have on the lives of elephants.

Dao

A Journey Toward Healing and Trust

Dao, the one of our young elephants in our care, is a 34-years-old female who has endured unimaginable hardships. Rescued from the elephant show industry, Dao carries both physical and emotional scars from her past.

During her time in captivity, Dao experienced severe mistreatment. One of the most heartbreaking marks of her trauma is a star-shaped burn on her back, caused by a hot iron. This cruel act has left her wary of humans and struggling to trust again. Her past has made her behavior unpredictable at times, and she can occasionally become defensive when she feels threatened or overwhelmed.

To ensure her safety and comfort, Dao spends part of her time in the stable within our nursery zone, where she can feel secure. Our dedicated team works patiently and compassionately with Dao every day, giving her the time and space she needs to heal and build trust.

At Samui Elephant Home, we are committed to providing Dao with the care, compassion, and support she needs to recover fully. Her story is a powerful reminder of why ethical treatment, and the protection of elephants are so important.

Buabarn

A Journey to Freedom and Health

Buabarn, a graceful female elephant, was born in 1982 in Surin Province, located in the northeast of Thailand. Like many elephants in her region, Buabarn was brought into the tourism industry at a young age. She spent five years working in an elephant riding camp, enduring the physical strain and repetitive routines associated with carrying tourists on her back.

In September 2019, Buabarn’s life changed forever. She followed her companion, Dao, and was rescued to join the family at Samui Elephant Home, where she no longer faces the demands of riding or other exploitative activities. Instead, she now lives freely in our open zone, where she can roam and relax while meeting visitors who come to learn about ethical elephant care.

At 42 years old, Buabarn is entering a stage of life where maintaining her health is crucial. Our team ensures that she receives a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to help her regain strength and improve her overall well-being. Daily care and attention, along with her ability to roam in a natural environment, allow Buabarn to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Visitors to Samui Elephant Home can meet Buabarn in person, observe her natural behaviors, and contribute to her ongoing care by participating in our sustainable programs. Her story is a testament to the importance of ethical tourism and the positive impact it can have on the lives of elephants.

Angie

The Matriarch of Samui Elephant Home

Angie, affectionately known as the grandmother of Samui Elephant Home, is a 58-years-old female elephant who has endured a long and challenging journey before finding peace with us. Born in Surin Province, located in the northeast of Thailand, Angie spent much of her earlier years working in a circus camp, where she performed tirelessly for human entertainment.

As Angie aged, her body could no longer endure the demands of such work. Recognizing her need for rest and care, we made the decision to rescue her and bring her to Samui Elephant Home, a sanctuary where she can live out her golden years surrounded by love, respect, and proper care.

Despite her remarkable resilience, Angie faces some challenges due to her age. Her teeth are worn down, which limits her ability to chew harder foods, making her appear thinner. To address this, we provide her with a carefully prepared diet of soft, nutritious food to ensure she gets the energy and vitamins she needs to stay healthy and comfortable.

At Samui Elephant Home, Angie is finally able to enjoy life at her own pace. She spends her days in a safe, natural environment, receiving gentle care from our team and bonding with the other elephants in our sanctuary. We are committed to making sure Angie feels truly at home and that she enjoys a life of peace and dignity for many years to come.

Lucky

The Playful Spirit of Samui Elephant Home

Lucky, our mischievous and energetic boy, is one of the youngest members of Samui Elephant Home. At just 6 years old, Lucky has grown from a vulnerable baby into a spirited teenager, bringing joy and energy to everyone around him.

Lucky’s story, however, begins with tragedy. Orphaned at a young age, he lost his mother after she accidentally consumed poisoned food laced with harmful chemicals. When we rescued Lucky, he was grieving the loss of his mother and struggling to adapt to a new environment. Everything felt unfamiliar, and it was clear that he missed the comfort and security of his mother’s presence.

Over time, Lucky’s life transformed. He found a new sense of belonging when Maria, one of the older elephants at our sanctuary, stepped in to become his adoptive mother. Maria’s care and companionship helped Lucky heal emotionally, and the two have since formed an inseparable bond. They spend their days exploring, playing, and even enjoying mud baths together, with Maria always keeping a watchful eye on her “naughty boy.”

Today, Lucky is full of life and mischief. His playful antics and curious personality make him a favorite among visitors and staff. While his journey began with heartbreak, it is now filled with hope, love, and happiness, thanks to the compassionate care he receives at Samui Elephant Home.

Kamlai

Our newest elephant at Samui Elephant Home

We’re honored to introduce Kamlai, a 32-year-old elephant who has recently joined our family here at Samui Elephant Home. Her journey is one of resilience and renewal. Originally from Chiang Mai, she faced difficult times when her former home was impacted by severe flooding. Her previous owner, unable to care for her due to these challenging circumstances, entrusted us to give Mae Bare a safe, loving environment where she can live peacefully and thrive.

Now, Kamlai has found a true sanctuary at Samui Elephant Home, surrounded by nature, compassion, and the freedom to enjoy life as an elephant should. We’ve watched her discover the joy of roaming freely, splashing in mud baths, and foraging as she pleases—simple yet beautiful moments that are essential for her happiness and well-being.

Welcome Sombun

A New Chapter Begins

We are delighted to introduce Sombun, the newest member of our family at Samui Elephant Home Caring & Education Center. Sombun, a 51-year-old female elephant, has endured decades of hard labor in the logging industry, where she tirelessly worked hauling heavy loads. Her journey to a better life began when she was rescued from these challenging conditions, and now, she is embarking on a new chapter with us.

Currently, Sombun is in quarantine, a necessary step to ensure her health and safety as she adjusts to her new environment. During this time, she is also building trust and familiarity with her dedicated mahouts, who are providing her with gentle care, love, and patience.

This is just the beginning of a life filled with kindness and freedom for Sombun. At Samui Elephant Home, she will finally have the opportunity to roam freely, enjoy nutritious food, and experience the joy of living without the demands of hard labor.

We are committed to ensuring that Sombun enjoys a peaceful and healthy life in her forever home. Her story is a testament to the importance of rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, giving them the second chance they so deeply deserve.