Join us in celebrating the wonders of nature as we feed these gentle giants!

One common belief circulating online is that elephant care in Thailand must absolutely prohibit the use of hooks (often called elephant hooks or bull hooks) to be considered ethical and humane. However, this assumption oversimplifies how elephant welfare is actually understood in scientific, veterinary, and practical management contexts.

Chokchai Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai welcomes Baby Nappa, a newborn female elephant born to mother Molopo, bringing joy and hope to the herd.

Thailand has a long cultural and historical bond with elephants, where many caretakers view them as part of their families and communities. While global discussions about animal welfare sometimes lead to criticism, it is important to understand that elephant care practices vary widely and continue to evolve. Historical cases from different countries also show that mistreatment of elephants has occurred worldwide, not in one place alone. Today, many Thai elephant camps and sanctuaries are shifting toward ethical tourism models that focus on feeding, bathing, observation, and education rather than heavy labor. Promoting accurate information, transparency, and cross-cultural dialogue can help build mutual understanding and improve elephant welfare standards internationally.