Photo by Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp 6
ACES is excited to announce the addition of two elephant camps to our list of certified venues. Phuket Elephant Care in Phuket, Thailand, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp 6 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, have both met and exceeded our criteria, earning recognition for their commitment to elephant welfare, sustainable tourism, and community engagement.
Since its inception in 2019, ACES has been committed to its mission to bridge the gap between the tourism industry and captive elephant welfare. Through consultation and input of international specialists in elephant management, veterinary care, and animal welfare, we developed a comprehensive set of over 222 strict camp criteria. Our goal is not only to ensure the well-being of Asian elephants but also to foster positive relationships with local communities and tourism stakeholders.
Phuket Elephant Care stands out for its dedication to providing a healthy and stress-free environment for elephants. The camp is set within a tranquil and beautiful location surrounded by fruitful forests and natural mud and pool. During our audit, we observed a genuine bond between the local Mahouts and elephants. The interactions and relationship between the caretakers and elephants emphasized the value Phuket Elephant Care put on the wellbeing of their elephants. Certified with a Silver rating on 13th February 2024, Phuket Elephant Care sets a standard for a professional eco-friendly elephant camp with full-quality services.
Similarly, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp 6 in Chiang Mai embodies the principles of ethical and sustainable tourism. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS), established in 2014, is a joint initiative between Karen Hill-tribes and Thai people to create an ethical and sustainable elephant camp for tourists. Their commitment to providing a nurturing environment for both elephants and visitors alike has earned them a Gold certification on 30th April 2024.
Another member of the EJS family was recently recertified by ACES. On May 15th, 2024, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket (Camp 4) in the Kathu District of Phuket, Thailand, earned a Gold certification, affirming its commitment to maintaining high standards of care and respect for the elephants. Touted as the most ethical elephant camp in Phuket, EJS Phuket provides visitors with an unforgettable experience, allowing them to spend a day with elephants in a setting that prioritizes the animals' welfare.
These additions to our certified camps network join the ranks of other outstanding venues, such as Mason Elephant Park & Lodge in Taro, Bali, Indonesia, and Kulen Elephant Forest in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, certified with Gold status on 20th February 2024, exemplifies conservation efforts through its rescue and rehabilitation programs for Sumatran elephants. Likewise, Kulen Elephant Forest, certified on 10th February 2024, offers a sanctuary where elephants roam freely in their natural habitat, contributing to conservation projects benefiting elephants across Cambodia.
As we welcome Phuket Elephant Care and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp 6 into the ACES’ certified camps, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting elephant welfare, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment in the tourism industry.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Georgina Ashby, ACES, georgina@elephantstandards.com
About ACES
Asian Captive Elephant Standards (ACES) is the independent, reliable and transparent link between the tourism industry and captive elephant welfare. Our camp guidelines were developed in 2019 and after much consultation we developed in 2023 a set of over 222 strict camp criteria. All criteria have been independently validated by international specialists in elephant management, veterinary care and animal welfare. Our goal is to ensure Asian elephant welfare while meeting the needs of the community and tourism stakeholders.
For more information, please visit https://www.elephantstandards.com/
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