Feeding the Giants 

Samui Elephant Haven is the most significant ethical sanctuary on Koh Samui. Since opening, almost two years ago, 20 elephants have been rescued from various harrowing industries including trekking, entertainment and logging across Thailand. For many years, these gentle giants have been subjected to abuse and overwork, sometimes with horrific injuries. They all now live in peace in the beautiful park. 

The pandemic, COVID-19, has dramatically affected visitors at Samui Elephant Haven and tourism across the world. The team at the Haven has found creative ways of feeding their many hungry mouths. The mahouts and volunteers have physically cut down banana trees and coconut leaves, received pineapple tops from TIPCO, the most prominent fruit juice provider in Thailand, and is creating community farms for future sustainability with the help of the islands’ hotels.  

 Now that Samui Elephant Haven is open and they can carefully accept small groups because social distancing is becoming more relaxed, Maew Suriya, the founder, wants to afford island residents and visitors the opportunity of helping make nutritious rice balls to feed the gentle herd. 

The delicious rice balls are made of rice, bran, pumpkin and turmeric and can also contain vitamin supplements or medicine. The balls are a great source of protein and are particularly good for baby and elderly elephants as they are easy to eat and digest; their lack of teeth can make it challenging to chew leaves, roots and trees resulting in gastral problems. They are also a great way of tempting elephants to eat their medication if they are sick. 

Every day, there will be two fun sessions where children and adults alike can attend a short class and make tasty and nutritious food for the elephants, learn about elephant behaviour and feed the two nannies Sudarat and Sri Nin, the girls Kwan Samui, Moloair and Nong Pech and mum and baby Somboon and Haven.  

 Each day there are two sessions:  

 10.00 to 10.45 and 14.00 to 14.45 

 Tiny ones under 4 years old – Free
Little ones 4 – 11 years old – THB500
Big ones 12 years and over – THB1000  

Elephant Aides Required

Samui Elephant Haven offers a limited number of weekly guests the exciting opportunity to experience a full immersion programme and learn everything there is to know about elephants and the local culture.

The elephant’s aides spend six nights and seven days at Samui Elephant Haven in simple bamboo cottages that boast incredible views across the park, elephants’ swimming pool, the jungle, Gulf of Thailand and the island of Koh Phangan. Probably one of the most outstanding and humbling views to wake up to each morning.

Being an aide requires stamina; the day is packed full of exciting and essential jobs which ensure the maintenance of the best environment in which the elephants live.

Each day starts with feeding the chickens that cluck around the park and collecting eggs for breakfast. The aides are joining the Samui Elephant Haven family, so will eat all meals with the founders, mahouts, the rest of the elephant team and tour visitors. Every morning, Maew presents guests with a list of responsibilities and activities that will take place throughout the day; and includes preparing food for the elephants, cleaning their swimming pools and enclosures, helping plant trees and grass throughout the park and of course collecting ele’ poop for the manure pile. It’s not all hard work, there is time for a traditional Thai massage, walks on the beach, a Muay Thai introduction, a cooking class, and exploring a local night walking market.

This extraordinary experience is available for a maximum of five guests each week. There is one single, and two twin bamboo bungalows available at the highest point of the Haven. The Elephant Aides programme is one of the most comprehensive in Thailand as it allows guests the opportunity to explore the local culture and people.