Why We Don’t Let You Touch the Elephants — and Why That’s a Good Thing

Posted on June 04, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of meeting elephants in Thailand, you’re not alone. But here at Eve97 Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai, we do things differently.
We don’t allow riding, bathing, or even touching our elephants. And there’s a really good reason for that.

Elephants Are Not Entertainment

Elephants are intelligent, emotional animals. They form strong family bonds and remember kindness—and cruelty. In traditional tourism,
they are often taken from their mothers as babies, trained with fear, and forced to perform. That’s not what we stand for.

Observation-Only Means Freedom

At Eve97, we let elephants just be elephants. No shows. No tricks. Visitors observe from a respectful distance as elephants walk, eat, play,
and interact with their herd in peace. It’s not a show—it’s real life. And it’s beautiful.

Why It’s Better for You Too

When you stop trying to interact and simply observe, something magical happens. You see their personalities.
You feel their presence. And you realize: this is what ethical elephant tourism should be.

Join the Movement

By visiting Eve97 Elephant Sanctuary, you’re helping us protect these incredible animals and support our local community.
You’ll leave with unforgettable memories—and a full heart.