New wildlife heritage area protects elephants

On the border of Thailand and Myanmar, nestled within over 90,000 acres of protected rainforest, lies a sanctuary that offers refuge for elephants rescued from the tourism industry. This place, aptly named Living in the Forest with Elephants (LIFE), is the latest addition to the growing network of Wildlife Heritage Areas, marking a significant milestone as the first elephant-focused site in the program. 

Since the launch of the Wildlife Heritage Areas initiative in 2022 by World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance, 17 specialized areas have been established around the world. Each of these Wildlife Heritage Areas uphold the highest standards of respectful human-wildlife coexistence, cultural significance and responsible wildlife tourism. 

A new "LIFE" for elephants  

Elephant riding experiences has been a popular tourist attraction in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The cruel training methods, including “the crush”, have long been the norm. In many cases, local communities, driven by economic necessity, were forced to sell their elephants into the tourism industry to support their families.

Now, thanks to the efforts of the Mahouts Elephant Foundation, these elephants can live freely, much like they would in the wild. Under the care of their mahouts, the elephants are no longer forced to work in the tourism industry or directly interact with the general public.  

Wildlife Heritage Areas play a crucial role in protecting not only the animals but also the habitats they depend on. By fostering sustainable tourism and supporting local communities, Wildlife Heritage Areas allow people to take pride in their natural heritage, ensuring that it can be preserved for generations to come.

Join us in supporting ethical tourism and conservation efforts that truly make a difference. The future of wildlife, including these incredible elephants, depends on it.