Taking care of large animals is no easy feat, but these rehab centers and sanctuaries are up to the challenge. From ex-circus elephants used to a life in the tortured spotlight to injured bobcats and abandoned tigers, these amazing facilities help large birds of prey, endangered gentle giants and oversized house cats alike. Sometimes the largest animals need the most love.
One of the sanctuaries on our list helps rescue humans as well as animals. Learn more on page six!
Elephant Nature Park
Photo credit: Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park was founded 20 years ago after Lek, who’s known as the “elephant whisperer” discovered the mistreatment of the gentle giants in Thailand’s tourism and logging industries. Many of the elephants who come in are in pretty bad shape – from dislocated hips to scars and open wounds from bull horns (hooks trainers use to stab disobeying elephants). For many residents, this is the first time they’ve lived a peaceful life.
Elephant Nature Park allows visits from the public, where they can feed and visit with the recovering elephants who live on the grounds. A large portion of the visit includes learning about each animal’s tragic past, and visitors get to help give them a mud bath if they want.
