Elephant Valley: History and role in elephant conservation

Elephant Valley is the name of a sanctuary in Mondulkiri, Cambodia, established to provide rescued elephants with a natural environment where they can live more freely. Managed by the NGO ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment), the project has become a reference point in Southeast Asia for responsible elephant tourism. Visitors are invited to observe rather than interact, supporting a model that prioritizes animal welfare and forest conservation. This page offers independent, non-official information, aiming to present the history, values, and significance of the Elephant Valley Project.

📌 Essentials at a glance

• 🌍 Location: Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia
• 🐘 Focus: Elephant welfare, conservation, and ethical tourism
• 👥 Management: Operated by ELIE, a Cambodian NGO
• 🚶 Visiting model: Observation only, no riding or bathing
• 📅 Status: Open in Cambodia; the Thailand project closed in 2020

What is the Elephant Valley Project in Cambodia?

The Elephant Valley Project (EVP) is one of Cambodia’s most recognized initiatives for elephant welfare. Founded in Mondulkiri Province, it combines conservation, community support, and responsible tourism to create a sustainable model for protecting Asian elephants.

Origins and mission of the Elephant Valley Project (2006/2007)

The EVP was established in 2006/2007 in eastern Cambodia as a sanctuary for elephants rescued from tourism, logging, or other forms of exploitation.

Operated by the NGO ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment), the project focuses on long-term welfare rather than short-term entertainment. Its mission is rooted in the principle of “letting elephants be elephants.”

Core aspects of the EVP mission include:

• 🐘 Elephant welfare – giving rescued elephants space to roam, forage, and socialize naturally.
• 🌱 Habitat conservation – protecting the surrounding forest and biodiversity of Mondulkiri.
• 👥 Community engagement – offering jobs, healthcare, and education for the local Bunong people.
• 🚫 No exploitation – banning rides, shows, and forced interactions.
• 📚 Education & awareness – teaching visitors about elephant behavior and conservation challenges.

Where is Elephant Valley Cambodia located?

Elephant Valley is located near Sen Monorom, the capital of Mondulkiri, often called Cambodia’s “last great forest frontier.” The area is known for its cool climate, rolling hills, and dense forests, making it a unique environment compared to the country’s lowlands.

The sanctuary lies at the edge of the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot. This location provides elephants with access to:

• 🌳 Forested valleys and natural shade
• 💧 Streams and rivers for drinking and cooling
• 🌾 Abundant vegetation for daily foraging

Sen Monorom has also become a small hub for eco-tourism, and the EVP carefully manages visitor access to ensure low-impact, sustainable experiences that do not disturb the elephants’ natural behavior.

How Elephant Valley Cambodia cares for elephants

Elephant Valley Cambodia is widely recognized for its ethical approach to elephant tourism. Instead of offering rides or performances, the sanctuary focuses on welfare, rehabilitation, and community engagement. Its philosophy is centered on creating a safe and natural environment where elephants can live with dignity, while also supporting local people and protecting forest ecosystems.

Philosophy of Elephant Valley Cambodia – “Let elephants be elephants”

At the heart of Elephant Valley Cambodia lies a simple but powerful principle: “let elephants be elephants.” This philosophy rejects common tourist activities such as elephant rides, circus-style shows, or forced bathing sessions, which can be harmful to the animals.

Instead, the project has developed a model based on observation and respect. Visitors are invited to walk alongside trained guides and observe elephants in a semi-wild setting, learning about their behavior without disturbing them.

Key points of this philosophy include:

• 🚫 No riding or shows – avoiding stressful and unnatural practices.
• 👀 Observation only – visitors watch elephants forage, interact, and move freely.
• 🐘 Respect for natural behavior – animals decide their own pace and activities.

This approach has made Elephant Valley a model for ethical elephant sanctuaries in Asia, showing that tourism can coexist with animal welfare.

Elephant rehabilitation and welfare in Mondulkiri

Most elephants at Elephant Valley Cambodia have been rescued from challenging pasts. Many were previously used in logging operations or exploited in tourist attractions before being retired to the sanctuary. The project offers them a chance to live in a more natural and peaceful environment.

The sanctuary provides:

• 🌳 Semi-wild forested areas where elephants can roam, forage, and socialize.
• 💧 Access to rivers and streams for drinking and cooling off naturally.
• 🌾 Natural diet based on vegetation found in the Mondulkiri landscape.

Each elephant has its own background and story, and the project prioritizes long-term care over short-term display. Veterinary support is available when needed, but the focus remains on giving elephants as much freedom as possible.

By offering a safe space, EVP not only improves the quality of life for individual animals but also educates visitors about the long-term consequences of captivity and exploitation in the tourism industry.

Community benefits of Elephant Valley Cambodia

Another defining element of Elephant Valley Cambodia is its strong connection with the local Bunong community. The project is managed by the NGO ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment), which integrates elephant welfare with human development.

Through this model, Elephant Valley supports local people in several ways:

• 👥 Employment opportunities – many staff members, guides, and caretakers are from nearby villages.
• 🏥 Healthcare programs – ELIE funds basic health services and medical assistance for local families.
• 📚 Education initiatives – projects to raise awareness about conservation and provide schooling support for children.

This dual focus ensures that elephant protection is sustainable. By creating alternative livelihoods and investing in local welfare, the sanctuary reduces reliance on exploitative practices and builds long-term support for conservation.

Visiting Elephant Valley Cambodia (Independent Information)

Elephant Valley Cambodia is open to visitors who want to experience a form of responsible and ethical tourism. Unlike traditional attractions that promote elephant rides or shows, this sanctuary offers educational encounters based on respect and observation. Visits are carefully managed to limit the number of people on-site and to minimize the impact on the animals and their forest environment. Below is independent, non-commercial information on what visitors can expect, the rules in place, and opportunities for longer stays as volunteers.

Daily visits and eco-tourism model at Elephant Valley Cambodia

A visit to Elephant Valley Cambodia typically takes the form of a guided walking tour. Visitors join experienced guides who lead them through the forest to observe elephants in their natural surroundings. Rather than interacting directly, guests follow elephants at a safe distance while learning about their history, personalities, and daily behavior.

A standard daily visit often includes:

• 👣 Morning forest walks – small groups accompany guides to watch elephants forage and socialize.
• 🍃 Educational talks – explanations about the sanctuary’s mission, the role of ELIE, and the challenges of elephant conservation in Cambodia.
• 🐘 Observation, not interaction – visitors can take photos and watch quietly but without disturbing the animals.
• 🌱 Lunch in Sen Monorom – many tours include meals sourced from local providers to support the community.

This model allows travelers to contribute to conservation while experiencing a meaningful and low-impact form of eco-tourism.

Rules for visitors – ethical guidelines at the sanctuary

To protect the elephants’ welfare, strict rules apply during every visit. These guidelines ensure that tourism remains sustainable and does not recreate the problems of traditional elephant camps.

The main rules for visitors include:

• 👥 Limited group size – only a small number of visitors are allowed each day.
• 🚫 No direct interaction – no riding, feeding, or bathing with elephants.
• 🤫 Quiet observation – visitors are asked to keep noise levels low to avoid stress.
• 📸 Photography allowed, but respectful – flash and close-up selfies are discouraged.
• ♻️ Environmental respect – visitors are encouraged to follow eco-friendly practices and avoid littering.

These rules are central to the EVP model, ensuring that encounters remain educational, respectful, and safe for both elephants and people.

Volunteering opportunities in Cambodia with Elephant Valley

In addition to short-term visits, Elephant Valley Cambodia also offers volunteering programs for those who want to spend more time contributing to the sanctuary. Volunteers typically commit for one week or longer and assist with tasks that support both elephants and the local community.

Volunteering activities may include:

• 🌿 Habitat maintenance – helping to clear trails, replant forest areas, or maintain enclosures.
• 🍲 Support roles – assisting with meal preparation for staff or helping around the camp.
• 📖 Community engagement – some programs involve supporting local education initiatives or cultural exchange.

Importantly, volunteers do not engage in direct handling of elephants. The focus remains on indirect support, ensuring animals are not treated as attractions. Instead, volunteering provides a deeper understanding of conservation work in Cambodia and a chance to contribute positively to the welfare of elephants and the well-being of local people.

Elephant Valley Thailand – The closed sanctuary in Chiang Rai

For a few years, Elephant Valley Thailand 🐘 in Chiang Rai offered visitors an alternative to conventional elephant tourism. Inspired by the Cambodian project, it followed the same philosophy: no rides, no tricks, no bathing shows. Instead, guests could walk quietly through the forest 🌳, watch elephants forage and socialize, and listen to guides explain their stories. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the few places in northern Thailand promoting ethical elephant experiences.

In 2020, the sanctuary closed permanently 🚪. The Covid-19 pandemic brought international travel to a standstill, and without visitors, the site could not continue. Since then, no programs for tourists or volunteers have been available.

This often creates confusion. Many travelers searching for a “Chiang Rai elephant sanctuary” still come across references to Elephant Valley Thailand. In reality, those mentions are historical 📖. The project in Chiang Rai is no longer active, and there are no official ways to visit.

Today, the only active sanctuary under the “Elephant Valley” name is the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, Cambodia 🇰🇭. It continues to welcome visitors and volunteers, following the principle of “letting elephants be elephants.”

Elephant Valley Thailand remains part of the recent history of ethical tourism in Southeast Asia. While it no longer operates, it is remembered as a positive step toward a more respectful model of elephant care, one that helped change perceptions in the region.

Why Elephant Valley matters for conservation in Asia

Elephant Valley Cambodia is more than a sanctuary: it is a living example of how conservation, animal welfare, and community support can work together. In a region where elephants are often seen as tourist attractions or working animals, the project highlights a more respectful approach. Its model, rooted in Cambodia but relevant across Asia, shows how ethical tourism can contribute to long-term sustainability.

🏥 The role of ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment)

The Elephant Valley Project is managed by the Cambodian NGO ELIE (Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment). This organization was created to improve the lives of captive elephants while also supporting local people and preserving forests.

ELIE’s work extends beyond caring for elephants. Its initiatives include:

• 🐘 Elephant welfare – daily monitoring, veterinary care, and a safe semi-wild habitat.
• 👥 Community healthcare – providing medical services and support to Bunong families in Mondulkiri.
• 📚 Education and awareness – teaching both visitors and locals about conservation challenges.
• 🌳 Habitat protection – working with authorities to reduce deforestation around Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.

This integrated approach makes ELIE a pioneer in linking animal welfare with human development and environmental stewardship.

🌏 Challenges for Asian elephants

Asian elephants are classified as endangered by the IUCN. Across Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and beyond, their populations face serious threats.

Main challenges include:

• 🪓 Habitat loss – deforestation for agriculture and development reduces the forests elephants need.
• 🎭 Tourism exploitation – elephant rides, circus shows, and close-contact activities create long-term stress and injuries.
• 🚨 Human-elephant conflict – as forests shrink, elephants sometimes raid crops, leading to tension with farmers.

By addressing these issues on a local scale, Elephant Valley Cambodia contributes to a broader regional effort to protect this iconic species.

🌱 A model of responsible elephant tourism in Cambodia

Elephant Valley Cambodia has become a reference point for responsible and ethical tourism in Southeast Asia. Visitors are not entertained by elephants but educated about them. Instead of creating dependency on tourist interactions, the sanctuary uses income to fund welfare, conservation, and community projects.

This model has inspired travelers, NGOs, and even other sanctuaries to rethink how elephants should be treated. It shows that tourism can generate positive outcomes without compromising animal dignity.

📌 Conclusion

Elephant Valley Cambodia stands out as one of the most meaningful examples of ethical elephant care in Asia. By prioritizing welfare, education, and community development, it proves that conservation and tourism can work hand in hand.

While Elephant Valley Thailand in Chiang Rai has closed, the Cambodian project continues its mission in Mondulkiri, offering a vision of tourism that respects both animals and people.

Elephant Valley Cambodia – Unofficial site