The Intrepid Foundation, Intrepid Travel’s not-for-profit arm, has teamed up with World Animal Protection Foundation in Thailand to promote ethical tourism practices since banning elephant rides on its trips in 2014.
Despite widespread knowledge of these exploitative practices, elephant rides persist in Thailand due to cultural traditions and tourism demand. Challenges include transitioning operators into ethical models for responsible tourism.
World Animal Protection Thailand’s recent survey of 837 elephants across 357 sanctuaries in Asia revealed that 63 per cent live in inadequate conditions.
World Animal Protection advocates for better elephant living conditions in Thailand and educates the tourism industry on welfare-focused alternatives.
How travellers can make a difference
The Intrepid Foundation will support key initiatives, including transitioning more elephant-riding venues to sanctuaries, such as ChangChill in Chiang Mai and Following Giants in Krabi and Koh Lanta, where visitors do not interact directly with animals.
Advisors can feel comfortable sharing World Animal Protection’s successful work and supporting ethical animal welfare venues by recommending Intrepid Travel’s Explore Northern Thailand, Thailand Family Holiday and Beautiful Northern Thailand trips to clients.
Intrepid Travel Thailand General Manager Mike Stewart said: “World Animal Protection Thailand’s efforts to transform exploitative practices into ethical, high-welfare models is hugely inspiring.”
“Their approach ensures elephant carers retain their livelihoods, elephants are well cared for and travellers can experience these animals respectfully, all while contributing positively to communities and the environment.”
Donate to protect pachyderms in Thailand
Donations to The Intrepid Foundation will directly contribute to these initiatives with the NFP matching public donations up to $1 million across the NGOs it supports.
The Intrepid Foundation General Manager Biheng Zhang said the World Animal Protection Thailand partnership is a significant step in the B Corp’s commitment to responsible tourism.
“While almost 3,000 elephants are still being used for entertainment and hauling logs, the work of World Animal Protection Thailand to support responsible projects like ChangChill and Following Giants can inspire other venues to make the switch and show it’s possible to be a successful venue that acts with animal welfare first,” she said.
“Together, we strive to encourage global practices that prioritise animal welfare alongside supporting local communities.”
Find out more at theintrepidfoundation.org
