At Lanta Elephant Lover by Lanta Elephant Conservation, responsible elephant care means being transparent about our daily practices, adapting care to each elephant and balancing elephant welfare with the safety of our neighbouring community.
Our Welfare Commitments
- No elephant riding or performances.
- Calm, guided encounters focused on observation, learning, feeding and walking beside the elephants.
- Activities are adjusted to the elephants’ comfort, behaviour, weather and ground conditions.
- Daily observation by experienced mahouts, with veterinary assessment and advice when required.
- Food, clean drinking water, shade and suitable resting areas are provided every day.
- Honest communication with visitors about our care practices.
Daily Care and Health Monitoring
Our mahouts know the elephants individually and observe their behaviour, appetite, movement and general condition every day. These observations are recorded and shared with veterinary professionals for assessment and advice whenever necessary. Care routines may be adapted to an elephant’s age, condition, behaviour and the weather.
Food, Water, Shade and Rest
Each elephant receives prepared food and access to drinking water. Resting areas provide room to move within the designated space, along with shade and a suitable place to rest. Visitor feeding is supervised so that the quantity, type of food and distance from the elephant can be managed safely.
Night-Time Safety and Responsible Tethering
For the safety of our elephants and the surrounding community, our elephants are tethered only at night using a 30-metre-long chain. This allows them to move within their designated resting area, eat the food prepared for them, drink water and rest comfortably.
This measure prevents the elephants from wandering into neighbouring farms or community areas in search of food, where crops or property could be damaged. It also reduces the risk of the elephants encountering hazards outside the area under our care.
We believe that responsible elephant care requires transparency, consistent observation and a careful balance between elephant welfare, community safety and respect for neighbouring land.
Responsible Visitor Activities
Guests may prepare and offer food under staff guidance, walk beside the elephants at a respectful distance and learn about their individual stories. Water activities depend on the elephants’ comfort, the weather and conditions on the day; they are never guaranteed. Visitors must follow the mahout’s instructions and should never chase, shout at, climb on or force an elephant to interact.
GAP Certification
Our camp is certified under Thailand’s Good Agricultural Practices for Elephant Camps by the Department of Livestock Development. Certification No. 02-6413-81-530-080005 is valid until 1 July 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can visitors feed the elephants?
Yes. Feeding is guided by our team so that visitors use suitable food, maintain a safe position and respect each elephant’s behaviour.
Why do visitors walk beside the elephants?
Walking beside the elephants allows guests to observe natural movement without riding. The pace and distance are controlled by the mahout and adjusted to the elephant and conditions on the day.
Are the elephants chained?
They are tethered only at night with a 30-metre chain within a designated resting area. This is a safety measure to protect the elephants, neighbouring farms and the community. It still allows movement, access to prepared food and water, and comfortable rest.
Do visitors bathe with the elephants?
Water activities are not guaranteed. Any water-based interaction depends on the elephant’s comfort, weather and conditions on the day and is managed by our team.
What is the role of a mahout?
Mahouts provide daily care, guide visitor behaviour, observe appetite and condition, record changes and communicate relevant information to veterinary professionals when assessment or advice is needed.
Learn before you visit: compare our elephant programs or contact our team with questions.