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Sakhu Sanctuary • Protected Herd

Meet Our Rescued Elephants

Every elephant at Sakhu Sanctuary carries a unique story of resilience. Here, they live with total freedom, dignity, and lifelong eco-care.

Buakhao
27 Years Old

Buakhao

(บัวขาว)
✨ Gentle & Sensitive 🌿 Calm Surroundings & Rest

Buakhao is 27 years old and was born in 1999.

She is a gentle elephant with a sensitive nature and can be easily startled at times. Buakhao prefers calm surroundings and is generally more comfortable keeping her distance from other animals. Despite her cautious personality, she has a kind and peaceful spirit.

Before arriving at the sanctuary, Buakhao spent many years trekking and carrying tourists. After a long period of hard work, she was finally rescued and given the opportunity to begin a new life in a safe and peaceful environment. Today, she enjoys the comfort, care, and quiet surroundings that allow her to rest and relax with ease.

Rescued from: Trekking & Tourist Carrying Observe Buakhao →
May
22 Years Old

May

(เมย์)
✨ Warm & Friendly (Older Sister of Ploy) 🌿 Bananas

May is 22 years old and was born in 2004.

She is a gentle and playful elephant with a warm and friendly personality, and she is also the older sister of Ploy. May brings a joyful energy to the sanctuary and is especially fond of bananas, which are always her favorite treat. She enjoys every bite with delight, reflecting her cheerful and affectionate nature.

Before arriving at the sanctuary, May spent many years carrying tourists in elephant riding activities. After being rescued, she was finally given the opportunity to begin a new chapter of her life in a safe and peaceful environment. Today, she enjoys a life filled with comfort, compassionate care, and freedom.

Rescued from: Elephant Riding Activities Observe May →
Ploy
15 Years Old

Ploy

(พลอย)
✨ Playful & Bright (Younger Sister of May) 🌿 Bananas & Cucumbers

Ploy is 15 years old and was born in 2011.

She is a playful and friendly elephant, as well as the younger sister of May. Ploy has a bright personality and enjoys interacting with both people and other elephants. Among her favorite treats are bananas and cucumbers, which always bring her happiness.

Before arriving at the sanctuary, Ploy spent many years working in an elephant riding camp, carrying tourists on her back. After being rescued, she was finally given the opportunity to begin a new chapter of her life in a safe and compassionate environment. Today, the sanctuary has become a warm and peaceful home where she can live with comfort, care, and freedom.

Rescued from: Elephant Riding Camp Observe Ploy →
Saow Noy
Rescued Resident

Saow Noy

(สาวน้อย)
✨ Gentle & Observant 🌿 Sweet Bananas & Shady Trees

Saow Noy ("Little Maiden") has a quiet, watchful grace. After spending years carrying heavy loads in arduous work, she was welcomed to Sakhu Sanctuary where she now spends her hours peacefully foraging in lush foliage, rediscovering herd bonds at her own gentle pace in complete safety.

Rescued from: Heavy Dragging Labor Observe Saow Noy →

Support Lifelong Elephant Rescue

By visiting our 100% observe-only sanctuary in Sakhu, Phuket, your contribution goes directly toward providing organic food, veterinary medical care, and protected jungle acres for Buakhao, May, Ploy, and Saow Noy.

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01 • Sanctuary & Operations

Protected Habitat & Experiences

Rescued Elephants
4

Free-roaming Asian elephants in Sakhu

Ethical Programs
3

100% observe-only experiences

Daily Schedules
4

Morning & afternoon guided visits

02 • Annual Care Metrics

Sustaining Our 4 Gentle Giants Yearly

Food Provided / Yr
~219 Tons

Fresh Napier grass & fruit

Water Consumed / Yr
~262,800 Liters

Drinking & mud hydrotherapy

Health Checkups / Yr
1,460 Checks

Daily veterinary physicals

03 • Visitor Reach & Impact

Connecting Travellers to Conservation

Happy Travellers
277,423 +

Visitors educated on ethical care

Confirmed Bookings
89,346 +

Direct contributions to food

Pickup Locations
1,858 +

Hotel pickups across Phuket