Answer
• When visiting an elephant sanctuary, it's essential to consider the ethical practices of the facility.
• Look for sanctuaries that promote rehabilitation and education without allowing activities like riding or performances, as these can harm the animals.
• Ensure that the sanctuary prioritises the elephants' well-being and allows them to roam freely and engage in natural behaviours.
• Additionally, educate yourself about the individual elephants' stories and the conservation efforts in place to support their welfare.
Practical Chiang Mai planning note: For elephant experiences, prioritise observation-led programmes, transparent welfare policies and natural social behaviour. Avoid venues built around riding, tricks, forced performances or constant visitor handling; "sanctuary" is not a regulated guarantee of welfare quality.