Following Giants

22/02/2024

Six months ago Kamung arrived at Following Giants after a lifetime working in the logging and tourism industries. Her exhausted and sunken eyes, her hardened skin inflicted by the logging ropes, all reminders of her unimaginable past.

Now, six months on, Kamsung has blossomed into a healthier, happier elephant. The fear in her eyes has been replaced by curiosity and joy. Freed from grueling work, and with an endless supply of nutritious food her body has transformed, gaining over 500 kg and regrowing her lost hair.

This incredible change is thanks to her mahout Dam, and her best friend Thongsuk 'Happy'.

Kamsung and Happy are inseparable, spending their days exploring the sanctuary together. Sharing mud spas, swimming together, and foraging in the forest. The bond they have formed is testament to the power of healing and a true example of just how sociable and intelligent these majestic creatures are.

Their relationship is so unique they share the same mahout. Dam deeply cares for his elephants and his passion for their welfare is clear for everyone to see.

This rescue would not have been possible if it wasn't for the amazing support we receive. For that, everyone at Following Giants would like to say a huge thank you.

For more information on our elephant-friendly sanctuary, please visit www.followinggiants.net

16/02/2024

Did you know that elephant poo is more than just elephant waste to us?

🐘 Inspecting an elephant's poo isn't glamorous but our mahouts check their elephant's faeces daily as it helps them detect early signs of digestive problems.

🐘 An elephant's poo indicates how healthy their teeth are. An elephant will have six sets of teeth throughout their life. They must eat enough roughage to wear down each set, gradually working out their old teeth to make room for their new ones. The image illustrates waste from an elephant with an old set (left) and a relatively new set of teeth (right). As an elephant's teeth wear down their ability to grind down food reduces, therefore increasing the need for food supplements.

🐘 Elephant poo is a great soil fertilizer. As elephants digest so little of what they eat their poo is full of partially digested grasses, vegetables, and bark, leaving energy-rich organic waste perfect for the forest.

🐘 As elephant poo is essentially raw cellulose it is ideal for making eco-friendly paper. After boiling, the disinfected fibres are pulped before placing on a drying rack. This highly sustainable option uses less water and energy and produces lower carbon emissions than regular paper manufacturing.

Join one of our scheduled daily tours to learn more about our rescue elephants and how we care for them. For more information please visit www.followinggiants.net

🐘

11/02/2024

Why choose Following Giants Elephant Sanctuary?

At Following Giants, we are passionate about providing a unique and ethical encounter with these gentle giants. We believe in the well-being and conservation of elephants, and our sanctuary is designed to offer them a safe and natural environment. Unlike traditional elephant tourism, we do not support activities that exploit these magnificent creatures, such as riding, bathing or unnatural performances.

Join one of our programs and witness the magic of these intelligent beings, learn about their stories of rescue, and take home cherished memories.

We are open 7 days a week, for more information and to book, please see www.followinggiants.net

02/02/2024

Elephants sweat through their toes.

If you look at an elephant on a hot day, you may see a wet area around the top of their toenails. Unlike most mammals that sweat through glands connected to pores, elephants only have pores between their toes.

Instead of solely relying on sweating to regulate their body temperature, elephants bathe, flap their ears, or seek shade.

Book a took with us to learn more about elephants, and observe them in our no touch elephant-friendly sanctuary.

For more information or to book please visit www.followinggiants.net

26/01/2024

Whether you're an animal lover, a family seeking a meaningful adventure, or a group of friends looking for a unique experience, Following Giants welcomes you with open arms. Our elephant-friendly sanctuary promises an extraordinary journey where you connect with nature and make a positive impact.

We are Koh Lanta's only no touch sanctuary supported by World Animal Protection.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to www.followinggiants.net

18/01/2024

Bathing with elephants is not only unhygienic but it inhibits their natural behaviour. At Following Giants we value the health and well-being of our elephants as well as our visitors.

Elephants love to bathe, it’s one of the ways they can regulate their body temperature. An elephant will happily spend hours in the water but these long periods inevitably mean they will urinate and defecate in the water. By bathing with an elephant you significantly increase the risk of catching an infection or possible injury.

At Following Giants we believe the best way for elephants to bathe is to do it alone, or with the company of one of their elephant friends. Granting them the freedom to play and do as they would in the wild.

For more information about our observation-only sanctuary or to make a booking please visit www.followinggiants.net

09/01/2024

Elephants are commonly exploited animals in the tourism industry. These intelligent animals have been forced to learn specific behaviours and tricks to entertain tourists worldwide.

At Following Giants, we are passionate about providing a unique and ethical encounter with these gentle giants. We believe in the well-being and conservation of elephants, and our sanctuary is designed to offer them a safe and natural environment. Unlike traditional elephant tourism, we do not support activities that exploit these magnificent creatures, such as riding, bathing or unnatural performances.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to www.followinggiants.net

26/12/2023

Nature is the best remedy for overindulging at Christmas. After all that Christmas feasting join us for a walk in the forest. Explore our sanctuary, and watch the elephants as they swim, graze and socialise.

If you are feeling extra sluggish our full-day programme is just the ticket.

Leave your mark on Lanta, by making the island a bit greener than you found it. Roll a seed ball, grab a slingshot, and help our reforestation project.

Take a refreshing dip in the Khlong Chak waterfall, and explore the bat cave before returning to the sanctuary to learn how to make eco-friendly paper from elephant poo.

It’s a perfect way to detox, recharge and connect with nature.

For more information and to book please see www.followinggiants.net

19/12/2023

Be elephant aware, come to where we care.

Following Giants is the choice for visitors who believe in an enjoyable experience which is truly authentic, sustainable, and elephant-friendly. Here you can observe our gentle giants as they roam free, happily leading the way in their natural environment.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/

14/12/2023

We would love you to meet our elephant family but we understand you may have questions about children visiting our sanctuary. To help you plan, we have compiled our frequently asked questions

🐘 Can I bring an infant in a child carrier or buggy?
We have had lots of families visit using infant carriers, but unfortunately, buggies are not suitable for the jungle walk.

🐘 Do you charge for children to visit?
Infants under two years old are free to enter, children aged between two and eleven are charged at the child's rate. This rate depends on the package chosen, for more information on our packages please see www.followinggiants.net

🐘 Can we feed or touch the elephants?
We believe in the well-being and conservation of elephants, and our sanctuary is designed to offer them a safe and natural environment. Unlike traditional elephant tourism, we do not support activities that exploit these magnificent creatures. We are an observation-only sanctuary where elephants are allowed to display natural behaviour.

🐘 If we book the two hour package will we be walking for the full two hours?
The elephants spend their days grazing and strolling around the sanctuary but this is normally at a slow pace. They often stop to snack on their favourite jungle treats allowing visitors the opportunity to rest. We also have shaded observation decks where you can sit and watch the elephants nearby.

🐘 Can children take part in the slingshot reforestation project?
Absolutely, even if they struggle to use a slingshot they are welcome to throw seed balls as far as they can.

🐘 Can we finish the tour early if need be?
Yes, our guides will happily arrange for you to return to the restaurant where we will serve you a refreshing drink and fresh fruit plate.

🐘 Will we receive a refund if we end the tour early?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue a refund once the tour has commenced.

We are open 7 days a week, all year round. For bookings please visit www.followinggiants.net

12/12/2023

We are so proud to be listed in The Nation as one of Thailand's sustainable low-carbon tourist activities.

The tourism industry has been a significant contributor to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To counteract this impact, the tourism sector is transitioning towards a trend known as "low-carbon tourism”, which has become appealing to environmentally conscious travellers.
"Low Carbon Tourism" serves as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional tourism, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Travellers who choose this form of tourism actively participate in efforts to combat global warming while still enjoying the convenience and pleasure of travel.
Read more:
https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/travel/40033651

07/12/2023

Find out how to be an elephant friendly tourist and discover venues worldwide adhering to the highest standards of truly ethical animal welfare.

07/12/2023

With over 400 reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, scoring 4.9 out of 5, we are the top-ranked elephant sanctuary in Koh Lanta.

Be elephant-aware and come to where we care.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

04/12/2023

Did you know Khai Dam is the only male bull elephant on Koh Lanta? In fact, Khai Dam is one of only a few male elephants that you can have such close interactions with across the whole of Thailand.

Nearly all elephant tourist venues only house female elephants. This is just one of the reasons why Following Giants is different.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

30/11/2023

Meet the Following Giants mahouts.

Being a mahout is a unique profession that requires passion, dedication and a deep understanding of elephant behaviour.

Our mahouts devote their lives to caring for their rescue elephant. The role of a mahout is a difficult one, starting at sunrise when the elephants wake. Their first task is to deliver fresh pineapple and banana leaves, followed by an overall check on their elephant’s health.

As our elephants roam freely, our mahouts will follow our giants wherever they choose to graze. Covering many kilometres each day, constantly observing them around other elephants, other animals and visitors.

Their day doesn’t stop when Following Giants closes, their evening routine requires them to clean and prepare the elephant’s sleeping area. Adding 100 kilos of food supplements to their area, ensuring they have adequate food throughout the night.

After their final checks at around 10:30 pm, the mahout can finally rest. Working 7 days a week 365 days a year, life as a mahout is extremely difficult.

We understand how much our mahouts sacrifice for our elephants and for that we are forever grateful.

From top left to bottom right, Dam, Crab, Fil & Kuat.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

#247365

18/11/2023

Following Giants is the choice for visitors who believe in an enjoyable experience which is truly authentic, sustainable, and elephant-friendly. Here you can observe our gentle giants as they roam free, happily leading the way in their natural environment.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/

17/11/2023

As it should be. 🐘 🧡

11/11/2023

We are Koh Lanta’s only truly ethical elephant sanctuary, supported by World Animal Protection. If you would like to see elephants during your visit to Koh Lanta please consider us.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

08/11/2023

No crowding, no touching, no fear, just Thang Mo being a happy elephant in the forest.

We are Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant-friendly sanctuary, supported by World Animal Protection. If you would like to see elephants during your visit to Lanta please consider us.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

06/11/2023

Introducing Ray, owner of Following Giants and our three elephant guides Nok, Seron & Nong.

Our guides are knowledgeable, caring and enthusiastic about elephant welfare. With over 16 years combined experience working with elephants, their passion is clear to see.

We are Koh Lanta’s only ethical elephant-friendly venue, proudly supported by World Animal Protection.

For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

02/11/2023

If you love elephants, the best way to see them without causing them suffering is in their natural habitat or at observation only sanctuaries.

We are Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant-friendly sanctuary, supported by World Animal Protection. If you would like to see elephants during your visit to Lanta please consider us.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/

Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant sanctuary. Set in 45 acres, bordering Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

31/10/2023

We are offering a 20% discount to celebrate 4 years of Following Giants.

Join Thongsuk and the rest of the herd tomorrow, November 1st and receive 20% off any of our packages.

This offer is valid for bookings for November 1st only.

We are Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant-friendly sanctuary, supported by World Animal Protection.

For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/

29/10/2023

Khai Dam was once forced to hula hoop and dance for entertainment. But no more.

And today is a vey special day for him. It's the one year anniversary of his rescue by Following Giants.

Khai Dam’s story is typical of the cruelty many elephants endure in the name of entertainment. It's also a reminder of how animals that have suffered abuse can find happiness.

Khai Dam is only 27 years old, a relatively young bull elephant, but his past life has left emotional scars that will last a lifetime.

He spent many years working in the logging and tourist industries. As a young elephant he endured the crush, a cruel practice that breaks an elephant's spirit and trains them to comply with the wishes and commands of humans.

After this barbaric ritual was complete, Khai Dam was forced to give tourists rides, to dance for them and to use his trunk to hula hoop. Sadly, he remembers these moves and can sometimes be found repeating them, alone and sorrowful.

But now, as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of his freedom, Khai Dam spends his days grazing happily in the forest, often with Thang Mo by his side. Theirs is a relationship that has helped Khai Dam learn to trust again.

To learn more about his story and watch his heartwarming journey to freedom visit

https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/elephant-peaceful-new-home

23/10/2023

True or false - elephants like to be touched by humans?

True of false – elephants enjoy giving tourists rides on their backs?

True of false – elephants love to take a bath with people?

How many do you think you answered correctly?

In fact, all of the above are false.

The truth is elephants will show affection to people they recognise, but if they allow any form of interaction with people they don’t know it’s because they have been trained to let that happen.

It means their spirit has been broken and they have given up protesting at this behaviour. They only do it because they fear punishment if they don’t.

At Following Giants, we adopt a truly ethical policy.

We don’t allow our visitors to touch, ride or bathe our elephants.

Instead we offer you the chance to observe them in their natural habitat and join them on a magical jungle walk where you will learn all about their behaviour.

It’s our firm belief that you should look, but don’t touch.

Following Giants is open every day. For details of our tours and to book your visit, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking

Be elephant aware… come to where we care.

Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant sanctuary. Set in 45 acres, bordering Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

19/10/2023

We are Koh Lanta’s only no-touch elephant-friendly sanctuary, supported by World Animal Protection. If you would like to see elephants during your visit to Koh Lanta please consider us.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/

04/10/2023

Show you care this World Animal Day.

World Animal Day celebrates animal rights and welfare across the globe. Join us in raising elephant awareness and speak for those without a voice.

Often elephants are exploited for entertainment, spending their days giving tourists rides, undergoing multiple baths per day or being swarmed by strangers wanting selfies.

Through education we can make a change, reducing the demand for such cruel activities. Allowing elephants the freedom to spend their days grazing, socialising and living their life without fear.

With you, we have the power to change the world for elephants.

Show you care, please share.

01/10/2023

ℹ️ Did you know? Elephants form strong bonds with other elephants, and they prefer to rest together. Elephants will also rest for longer if they have another elephant resting nearby 💤🐘

30/09/2023

Ray quietly observing Kamsung & Thongsuk as they forage around the stream.

We are open seven days a week, all year round. For details of our tours and to make a booking, please go to https://www.followinggiants.net/booking