Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) image

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)

Tourist attraction Animal hospital Wildlife refuge Animal shelter Animal protection organization Wildlife rescue service

One of the Top rateds in Ban San Het


Address

108, Tha Mai Ruak, Phetchaburi, 76130, Thailand

Website

www.wfft.org

Contact

+66 32 458 135

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (972 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: animals (81) tour (39) elephants (24) experience (19) Thailand (17) care (17) animal (16) guide (14) great (13) rescued (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ksenia S. 11 months ago on Google
    This place is great! They are really good at educating you about how so many people out there use animals to make money and trick tourists into admiring them without understanding how much suffering is hidden behind one ride on an elephant or one picture with a monkey in pants. Don’t come here expecting entertainment, this place is for learning and becoming a better version of ourselves, it’s for supporting a good initiative by seeing the rescued animals and learning their stories. Visiting this place became the highlight of our trip to Thailand and we will keep following them on Instagram and donating to make sure that one day we can see the world where animals don’t have to suffer to please humans. Keep it up!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin G. 1 year ago on Google
    UPDATE Jan 2023 We did the full day tour which was great and really recommended, the tour guide we had was really informative. The tour includes lunch which was really delicious and a good selection of food. All the animals they have are rescued from various places and many were formerly pets. They cannot be released back into the wild because they would not survive now due to domestication. June 2022 Incredible place to visit, they have rescued animals from various places including many elephants and 9 tigers recently rescued from Phuket zoo. You can sit at the cafe and watch the elephants and gibbons or you can do a tour of the facility which includes watching elephants being washed or feeding elephants. They have half day and full day tours, only the full day tours include tiger viewing at the moment. Prices are 1100 for a half day tour and 1600 for a full day.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaka A. 2 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    The place is fantastic! They rescue animals from captivity and maltreatment and provide a caring home for them as most of the animals will never be able to return to the wilds. Our tour was very informative, the guide knew many of the animals by name and would provide anecdotes about them. You will also learn some eye opening truths about conditions that humans condemn animals to. The main policy is look, listen but don't touch (with a few exceptions). If you are looking to bathe or ride an elephant, go elsewhere or better yet visit WFFT and learn why it is the worst practice ever.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jola C. 2 years ago on Google
    If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I spent a whole day there learning about the work they do to care for all sorts of animals. Was able to help to feed and wash elephants. As my friend could not make it on the day I asked my lady driver to join me and and she absolutely loved it. The place is large and amazing and I would recommend that you visit to appreciate and support the fantastic work the team does
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Violet C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a very special and insightful day at WFFT. Our tour guide was very passionate about the animals and really made the experience. The buffet lunch was also delicious with lots of options. The closest we got to any of the animals was feeding the elephants banana balls, there was no forced interactions and the animals had so much space. Would highly recommend to people looking for an ethical experience with animals in Thailand.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 diyaa j. 1 year ago on Google
    such an incredible foundation. You can see the animals are being well looked after compared to other sanctuaries I've seen. The animals all have a large amount of space and it's nice to know than many of them are being released back to their natural habitat after recovery. Definitely will be back in the future to volunteer and would 100% recommend this to everyone!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E t. 2 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    WFFT is a unique center founded for the rescuing of abused and illegality exploitation of rare and protected animals. The massive effort in giving these animals a return to normal life after having endured suffering at the hands of unscrupulous traders and traffickers and some domestic usage alike. Now getting back into an environment were normalized conditions prevail. Here you may personally come close to a very wide selection of animals, otherwise hard to see. Not only is this none commercial operation a very worthwhile cause, it offers the opportunity to view this huge selection of animals rarely found anywhere else. This sanctuary is home to over 300 species including, tigers, elephants gibbons and even a wonderful selection of national rare birds. Highly recommended for all lovers of nature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris H. 7 months ago on Google
    We took the all-day tour when we stayed at the ILovePhants lodge. The guides were friendly and professional. We learned a lot about the animals there. It was amazing to feed elephants. The included lunch was fine given the very reasonable price for an all-day tour including lunch. Note that this is an animal rescue center where most animals are in some sort of (very large) enclosure. Visitors should not expect something like a safari where wild animals are roaming completely freely. If one’s expectations are set accordingly, one will have an excellent time. We were very glad to support the center’s efforts and would happily return.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ya-Ping 2 years ago on Google
    Best animal shelter and volunteer workplace ever! 👍👍👍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven s. 1 month ago on Google • 228 reviews New
    Our visit to the foundation was inspirational concerning its activities in regard to conservation. But so sad when the explanations are devilled throughout the day on how badly the animals were treated before they were rescued. If you travel to Thailand and decide that you want to take the opportunity to see tigers, leopards, the great apes, and all manner of endangered species, then think hard concerning who you give your money to. Unfortunately, Thailand has been exsploting animals at the bequest of tourists for decades. Do not encourage this behaviour by perpetrating what has gone before. The foundation saves tortured animals from zoos and private owners and give them a chance at living out their lives with dignity and peace without the shackles of having to perform for the paying public.

  • 5/5 Gril d. 2 years ago on Google
    I've became volunteer at this place and this is what I really expected. So many animal, good and bad task, food here is nice and not the same(if you are lucky you may got some food from I love phant) everybody here is also nice, if you don't understand anything you can ask.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shelley C. 4 years ago on Google
    If if could give this place 10 stars I would! Absolutely amazing! Spent the day learning about the various animals in their care and feeding/showering the elephants. We've been home from Thailand for nearly 3 months and I think about this place, the people who work here and the incredible work they do pretty much every day. Such a wonderful day spent here for a fantastic price and an experience I will never forget. If you're nearby, DO IT!! You won't regret it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lindsey C. 1 month ago on Google • 110 reviews New
    We visited WFFT yesterday with our family of 7 (including our 4 & 5 year old kids) and absolutely LOVED it. We loved our knowledgeable English guide, who, you could easily tell, genuinely loved her job and the animals. The animals are cared for in such a thoughtful and beautiful way, with the ultimate goal being either releasing back into the wild (dependent on their situation) or living out their lives in the most comfortable, social and humane way. We recommend supporting this place in any way you can!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie C. 2 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    What an amazing experience. The education you receive about protecting wildlife is sobering. The work the team is doing is pivotal in the local area and the wider Thailand community. Supporting endangered wildlife and rescuing animals that have been kept cruelly. Highly recommend the full day tour here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cecilia B. 2 months ago on Google • 118 reviews New
    They will tell you the story of many animals. Like the poor blind elephant we gave the watermelon to. We wanted an internal day in this refuge. You can see many animals saved either from abuse or abandonment. Lately they have recovered 12 tigers, in addition to the 9 they already had. A wonderful day, very kind and friendly staff. Go and visit it, you won't regret it

  • 5/5 AL 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent educational experience. It is a 40min ride from Hua hin worth the ride particularly with children. Best our tour guide is truly passionate and knowledgeable about the whole foundation and wildlife.I recommend the full day tour with the elephant feeding at the end. Lunch break is also delicious. #natureisbeautifull
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joey s. 1 year ago on Google
    The animals here are well taken care of. Huge sanctuary. Tour guides are passionate with their work. Food served was great. Had the chance to interact with playful Elephants. Fresh air that just takes away all the worries you bear. This is quiet far from BKK, about 3 hours via car. But worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brett H. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous experience, great family stay. It's not just about the elephants, so many other animals to enjoy. Food and accommodation was great, we thoroughly enjoyed the pool and the tour.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose M. 4 years ago on Google
    If you want to see elephants and other animals in this area, this is the place to go. They really take care about the animals. Do not expect to ride on an elephant or picture with a tiger. They love animals and do a great job. Book the whole day, enjoy a tasty thai lunch and wash the elephants. The guides know everything about animals, feel free to ask them what ever you want to know.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ethan P. 6 months ago on Google
    Took the half-day afternoon tour of the sanctuary. The staff were really and accommodated our various requests. Lunch was provided and it was pretty good. The afternoon tour was mainly on the bus and we were able to get up close to a large variety of animals, while the tour guide shared information about the animals and how they were rescued. Highlights of the tour are getting up close (not too close) to the tigers and feeding the elephants.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Georg T. 1 year ago on Google
    On the way to Hua Hin stop by this one of a kind wildlife rescue. The foundation puts much focus on care that is appropriate to the species.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haecki W. 9 months ago on Google
    They are taking care of hundreds of animals. They give them a new home and love. They have huge cages and more than enough space to have an appropriate life. They have a separate animal hospital This all costs a lot of money and the foundation is grateful for every donation. Visit the website to learn more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark L. 5 months ago on Google
    A thoroughly enjoyable day where we learned so much about the plight and mistreatment of defenseless animals at the hands of man. To experience a tour of your rescue sanctuary and to hear a passionate explanation of the WFFT mission by our tour guide, Natalie, was both educational and inspiring. Thank you for helping to make our Thailand trip very memorable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rayanne L. 2 months ago on Google • 57 reviews New
    Great experience! Guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative, I learned a lot about the rescue and rehabilitation of these beautiful animals, elephants, tigers, gibbons, bears and many other varieties. The facility is large and open. A nice buffet lunch. No riding, no chains, no hooks. Easy transportation from Hua Hin (hotel/home pickups). Great way to support humane care for animals. Recommended.

  • 5/5 Rene J. 1 month ago on Google • 37 reviews New
    This experience and get fully close to the rescued animals was amazing. They do an incredible job in savings animals, tellings their stories with passion and letting you into their world 🤩Can only recommend and then stay in the I love Phans Lodge as well is making it a complete experience ❤️

  • 5/5 Gerard M. 5 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Absolutely great day out. We both loved it. Our tour guide was so informative and knowledgeable of every animal there it was amazing how much she knew.(I'm so sorry I forgot her name). Hearing all the work that is done there and how many animals they have rescued and have plans to rescue in the near future means they need all the support from people visiting and supporting their cause. You won't be disappointed doing a day tour here.

  • 5/5 Joanna Giménez i G. 11 months ago on Google
    I was looking for an ethical animal sanctuary and definitely this experience was one of the best in my life, it was completely worth it. The commitment of the staff to the animals and their wellbeing is evident from the very beginning. All the animals here are rescued animals from traffic and maltract. The guides are amazing, they explain every detail and transmit the love they have for those animals. Also, it is very sadly interesting some of the data they explain to you about animal trafficking, and after that you can really empathise with the project.

  • 5/5 Paul G. 8 months ago on Google
    Rescue shelter for all kinds of wild animals. When possible to return into the wild after treatment, that will be the main goal, if not they will try to give the animals a life as close to their natural habitat as possible. No animal shelter in Thailand provides better living conditions for the animals. It is no commercial setup, only a limited number of tourists is allowed to visit, and only on appointment .

  • 5/5 Rick H. 7 months ago on Google
    Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) – Where Magic Happens for Thailand's Animals! Alright, folks, hold onto your hats 'cause I'm about to take you on a wild ride through the enchanted world of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). These folks are like real-life wizards, working their magic to protect and care for all creatures great and small in the heart of Thailand. You know what makes this place extra special? The passionate volunteers! These guys are like the knights of the animal kingdom, devoting their time and energy to be the protectors of these beautiful creatures. Their dedication is awe-inspiring, and they're like a superhero squad that never sleeps, always looking out for our furry and feathered friends. But wait, there's more – these animal-loving magicians don't stop at just rescuing and caring for critters. Oh, no! They're on a mission to pass on their wisdom to the new generation of animal enthusiasts in Thailand. They're like animal whisperers, teaching the young ones how to treat animals with kindness and respect. And let me tell ya, seeing those little ones soaking up that animal education is like witnessing a magical transformation. It's like planting seeds of compassion that will grow into a forest of love for animals across the country. So, in a nutshell, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is a place where magic is real, and the magic workers are the passionate volunteers who care for all creatures like true heroes. They're not just rescuing animals; they're saving hearts and inspiring the future generation to become guardians of our furry and feathery companions. Hats off to WFFT for their spellbinding work! Keep spreading that enchantment, you magical creatures of compassion! Bravo!

  • 5/5 will m. 8 months ago on Google
    really amazing ngo here in thailand. if youre in the area, please come here instead of any zoo in thailand. this place is the most ethical place to view animals that ive ever seen, in the whole world. super genuine connection from all the staff to the animals, and a proper care and understanding from visitors too. recieved a detailed education about illegal trade in thailand, and now feel educated enough to be able to identify and report visible illegal trade (eg. used for tourist attraction). thanks again natalie for being an awesome guide!

  • 5/5 Johnny D. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing experience, learnt a lot about their approach to letting captive wild animals live out their lives in excellent care, with personal spaces, or shared if possible. You can even stay at a lodge over night.

  • 5/5 Sadie R. 8 months ago on Google
    Please please make sure you go here when visiting Thailand!!! A genuinely ethical and beautiful sanctuary, completely hands off and have helped the lives of so many animals. We had the most amazing tour led by people who genuinely care for the livelihood of the animals, informing you of all their backstories and giving you a completely personal experience. Thank you for being so informative and giving us a safe and ethical way to view the beautiful wildlife. HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE!!!!! Amazing experience - especially feeding the elephants :)

  • 5/5 Naomi G. 8 months ago on Google
    We did the full day tour and highly recommend taking the time to do this. The guides give an excellent insight into why the centre exists and the heartbreaking stories behind the animals that are used for tourists (and human in general) amusement in Thailand and around the world. The centre is doing excellent work, constantly expanding and rescuing elephants, big cats, monkeys, other primates and even birds, cats and dogs. There are hundreds of animals there and the tour gives a great overview of most of them, getting you up close without interrupting their rehabilitation. There is also an option to volunteer for a week or more which would be an amazing experience… but for starters the full day tour is a must do.

  • 5/5 蕭雅芩 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommended to anyone who wants to get closer to elephants, tigers, monkeys and many more animals - in a respectful way. I’m glad that I spent such a meaningful day here. Our guide, Natalie, is friendly and humor, lunch is really tasty and the whole trip is well-organized.

  • 5/5 Rachel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place, all animals rescued from harsh conditions. We did a full day tour, saw elephants, tigers, gibbons and bears plus many others. Guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their work. Plus, delicious buffet lunch overlooking elephants and gibbons. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Mark M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing place built by an inspirational owner who understands how to treat animals. No shows, no elephant rides just a pure educational experience about how to look after animals that have been previously badly served by humans. The highlight for me was the tiger section, where we got to see the tigers up close. Our guide “B” was terrific and despite being only in the role for 7 months was clearly emotionally attached to his role in guiding/educating us

  • 5/5 Michael 1 year ago on Google
    Be sure to pre-book a tour because there’s only one tour a day! No walk ins. Our tour guide Natalie was great and very helpful and informative throughout the tour. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand has done a great job to create a fantastic place for the rescued animals and you can really see how much the staff care for them. MUST VISIT in Hua Hin. Great stories and some astonishing views.

  • 5/5 Kostya L. 1 year ago on Google
    They are doing good and important work here. The animals are happy and safe, free from exploitation, and it shows. Edwin, the founder, is a bit of a conservationist superhero. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 James S. 1 year ago on Google
    We did the half day tour which included lunch. Picked up by their own air conditioned mini bus from hua hin hotel and return. Tour was good value for money. This is a legit animal rescue centre where you will learn a lot on the tour.

  • 5/5 Harrison E. 1 year ago on Google
    We did the the full day tour and it was a surreal experience seeing such a vast diversity of wildlife in one place. Whilst it's sad to hear their stories, it's reassuring to know they are now being well looked after and cared for properly. The staff are very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The only negative part of our experience was trying to contact the office to book a tour after several phone calls and emails we finally got through.

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting WFFT. Here, you’re able to appreciate nature in a way that’s respectful and pure. The foundation relies heavily on donations and support from nature lovers, so the experience is mutually beneficial!

  • 5/5 Adam H. 1 year ago on Google
    This place takes care of previously unloved and abused animals, from both domestic settings and ‘working’ environments. They do this extremely well, with knowledge and genuine compassion. Where possible animals are released into the wild, although as explained on the guided tour (whole day highly recommended!) most are unable to survive back in the wild. The elephants seem at peace, and very content with their spacious new home. The foundation is currently rehousing tigers from the now closed Phuket zoo who can no longer be fed. They are being given a much better life here, and we were lucky enough to spot both tigers (from a distance) on our visit. We really enjoyed our full day tour from our excellent guide, and the ‘phants lodge’ offers a great opportunity to relax with a drink overlooking the large naturally styled elephant enclosure. We hired a car from Hua Hin to get here and would highly recommend others do the same as taxi drivers will often charge a lot to go this far out.

  • 5/5 Michael H. 4 years ago on Google
    Very inspiring spot. In case you're thinking of visiting any animal related location, you're at the right place here. Sick or maltreated animals are brought here until they can be released where possible (or stay here if not). You spend a wonderful day learning about the refuge and coming in close contact with elephants, seeing monkeys, bears and many more species recovering in a healthy, animal friendly environment with experienced staff, guiding the visitors through the different stages of rehabilitation. Perfect combination of education, fun and excitement for the whole family! If we ever return to this area, we will definitely visit again! And please don't visit any animal shows like elephant riding or similar any more, it's not natural for these wonderful creatures!

  • 5/5 Kok Wui T. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit over weekend Get so close to elephant

  • 5/5 Sarah H. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    After a thorough search for a truly ethical way for my family to see elephants during our time in Thailand, I was delighted to find WFFT. We booked the full day tour with pickup and return to our hotel in Bangkok, and it was the highlight of our trip. After the air-conditioned drive (about 2.5 hours from our hotel), we met at the I Love Phants lodge and then walked through the bear and gibbon enclosures, heard the Gibbon Song, and learned more about the animals and their stories. Lunch was fresh and delicious, and the ice cream and drinks were appreciated since it was a hot day. Then we drove around the elephant and big cat areas, meeting more rescued animals, including 9 starved tigers who had just been saved from a zoo that had closed. We ended the day by feeding three of the friendlier elephants their afternoon snack. Natalie, our tour guide, was thoughtful, informative and generous as she led the tour, sharing personal stories of many of the animals who have experienced such suffering in their lives before being rescued by the team at WFFT. Their veterinary services are extensive and loving, and they offer free vet care to the local villages after 5:00 pm each day! They regularly work with police and other sanctuaries to rescue animals and provide them with care, support, and an stress-free environment. They can live their lives free from the burden of pleasing humans. The only interaction we had was a regular feeding of three friendly elephants with their mahouts nearby to prevent unnecessary petting. Our purpose was simply to feed them, and my family was honored to do so. The animals’ stories were heartbreaking, their rescue stories harrowing, but there is joy here. The team provides huge enclosures and works tirelessly to give the animals what had been taken from them: their free will. Many sanctuaries will claim to be “ethical,” but the only truly ethical way to care for wild animals is to protect their space and leave them alone. Our family was so moved by the work of WFFT that my older kids are talking about coming back to volunteer! Thank you for everything you did to make our trip memorable and meaningful, and thank you for dedicating your lives for these animals to live free.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍


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