Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

📍 Location of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand 🚘 Directions to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

About Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

The WFFT wildlife rescue center is a sanctuary for wild animals that have been injured, confiscated, or neglected. The center operates a fully equipped wildlife hospital, caring for a variety of animals including monkeys, gibbons, wild cats, bears, birds, reptiles, and even elephants. Visitors can explore the wildlife rescue center, the wildlife hospital, and the elephant sanctuary by booking a day trip from Bangkok, Cha-am, or nearby Huahin. This place is truly amazing, with dedicated people doing incredible work.

A large group of 13 people decided to visit the center while in Thailand for a family wedding. They booked the full day tour and were collected by two comfortable mini buses from their hotel in Hua Hin. The journey to the foundation, about an hour away, offered beautiful scenery. The tour started at 10am with a walk around the enclosures. Their guide, Edda, was fantastic, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions. The children in the group were completely absorbed, especially an 8-year-old girl who decided she wants to volunteer as soon as she's old enough. Some of the animals' stories were hard to hear, but seeing them so well cared for now was a real privilege. The group enjoyed a lovely lunch with plenty of choices and fresh food. The afternoon part of the tour was mainly conducted from a safari jeep, which took them around the farthest areas of the foundation. The day concluded with an unforgettable experience of feeding one of the foundation's beautiful elephants pieces of watermelon and corn on the cob. The value for money was excellent, and the group plans to return if they are ever in Thailand again.

The Wildlife Friends Foundation is known as one of the few ethical elephant sanctuaries in the area. A couple booked the full day tour experience with a group of friends and were very happy with their choice. The tour was a mix of riding open buses and walking short distances, making it accessible for anyone able-bodied over the age of five. The day started with transportation from their hotel in Hua Hin to the sanctuary. Upon arrival, they were split into groups and boarded buses for the morning portion of the tour. This consisted of several visits on foot to smaller elephant enclosures as well as a larger area with moon bears, otters, gibbons, macaques, and various other animals rescued from zoos or abusive situations. The focus was education rather than entertainment, which felt appropriate given what many of these poor animals had experienced. After a quick stop at the foundation’s gift shop, they were brought to the dining area for a delicious buffet-style lunch. The afternoon was spent largely on buses viewing more elephant enclosures at length as well as a new group of tigers rescued from the Phuket Zoo under tragic circumstances. They ended up getting to feed two of the more docile female elephants before heading back to the original meetup point for transport back to their hotel. The couple plans to return the next time they’re in the area.

A family of four visited the sanctuary and were impressed by the real work being done to help animals that have been mistreated or kept as exotic pets. They had a full day tour, starting in the lodge building where they could see a huge area for elephants and gibbons to roam freely in and out of a forest. The guide was very passionate and knowledgeable, explaining why some animals are still in captivity and how they are training them for a more independent life. After the first area, they went to the volunteers area for a toilet break. There was a little shop selling t-shirts and another area selling drinks and snacks. They returned to the lodge for a Thai lunch and a break before moving on to see more animals, including elephants and tigers. Finally, they made elephant feedballs and fed a couple of elephants. The family found the place to be fantastic, with passionate and knowledgeable people doing important work.

Another group had a mishap getting to the sanctuary, but once they arrived, everyone was so accommodating and helpful. Their bags were taken to their lodge for later as they joined the tour, which was broken into sections. The first part was on a giant golf buggy, then some walking, then the buggy again before lunch. After lunch, they got to meet the elephants close up, wash, feed, and generally give them some TLC. They returned to the lounge area where they enjoyed a good meal and a stunning view of where the elephants roam. The lodge was fantastic with a view into the 'jungle' where they were lucky enough to have an elephant come and see them. The tour guide was brilliant, really knowledgeable and friendly, and always happy to help and take questions. They found the day and night to be well worth it.

A family day visit to the sanctuary turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The staff were friendly and informative, and it was clear that they truly believe in what they are doing - helping helpless animals and caring for them with love and patience. They highly recommend a visit for all ages if you are in the area.

A full day trip/tour to the farm foundation was a little expensive, but well worth it to see the work being done to rehabilitate ex-working Thai elephants and other injured animals. The trip down to the foundation was in a good and comfortable vehicle. The food provided for lunch was excellent. The tour around the property was very good and informative. They got to feed and wash an elephant, making it a very good experience worth the time and money.

A full day experience at the WFFT was spent by a family who were welcomed by a really friendly host. They were shown around in a good way that even their 6-year-old loved. After lunch, they had a meet and greet with elephant Wassana. The foundation is home to 900+ animals who are looked after by a fantastic staff. They urge people to say no to photos with wild animals being used as props, going to circuses, or visiting elephant camps or tiger temples/petting zoos. If you get the chance to visit the Hua Hin region in Thailand, make sure to stop by this fantastic project to learn about responsible and cruelty-free eco-tourism. Visiting a rescue/rehab center such as WFFT is more fun for you and for them.