Wildlife Friends Foundation (WFFT)

Table of Contents

To report a wild animal in need of assistance in Thailand, please call the Wildlife Friends Foundation Hotline at (66) 032-706906

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) operates a rescue center for Thailand’s domesticated/ captive wild animals who are subject to human exploitation and habitat loss. This includes gibbons, macaques, lorises, langurs, bears, and other wild animals. They also run a Tiger Rescue Centre and an Elephant Sanctuary.

WFFT Wildlife Hospital provides emergency medical treatment and long-term care to neglected and abused wildlife in Thailand. They also campaign against all forms of animal abuse and exploitation in Thailand.

WFFT are located at 108 Moo 6, Tambon Thamairuak, Amphoe Thayang in Phetchaburi, Thailand. They are Open Daily but only on appointment or a booked daytrip. Last admission is at 4:00pm. Their phone # is (66) 032-706906.

Key Takeaways

* Runs a Wildlife Rescue Centre for rehabilitation and refuge for wildlife in need.

* Runs a Tiger Rescue Centre and a sanctuary for rescued elephants.

* Operates Wildlife Hospital in Thailand.

* They allow visitors and are Open Daily but only on appointment or a booked daytrip. Their phone # is (66) 032-706906.

Abondoned baby deer at WFFT sanctuary — Abandoned baby deer at WFFT sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Wildlife Friends Foundation: A Noble Mission

Founded by Edwin Wiek in 2001, WFFT works for the protection and preservation of Thailand’s diverse wildlife species. From elephants and primates to birds and reptiles, they provide a sanctuary for animals that have been subjected to abuse, exploitation, or habitat loss. Moreover, WFFT’s holistic approach encompasses rescue operations, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and environmental education to create a sustainable future for Thailand’s wildlife.

Rescued white lion cub (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Wildlife Friends Foundation Goals

The major goals of Wildlife Friends Foundation are:

– To rescue and rehabilitate captive wild animals and provide high-quality care and a safe environment for them.

– Campaigning against illegal wildlife trade and all forms of animal abuse and exploitation in Thailand.

– To provide veterinary assistance to any sick or injured animal; wild or domestic.

– To assist in and develop new projects relating to protection, rehabilitation, humane captive environments, and welfare of all wild animals.

– Rehabilitating captive wild animals and releasing them back into the wild, repopulating forest areas in which they are already endangered or extinct.

Want to learn more about elephants? Check out my Top 39 Amazing Elephant Facts blog!

Gibbon Release & Research Centre

WFFT Gibbon Release & Research Centre in Maehongson prepares gibbons for a return to the wild and ensure that they are physically and behaviorally prepared for survival in their natural habitat. After release, the gibbons and their activities are monitored from a distance by WFFT staff.

WFFT Elephant Refuge

They run Asia’s first completely chain-free elephant sanctuary. The forested land around the rescue centre gives their rescued elephants the chance to roam around in near-natural surroundings.

Their large elephant enclosures, up to 18 hectares each, have natural trees, lakes and grazing areas. These give their elephants the space to move around and socialize with other elephants.

Elephant in WFFT sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Tiger Rescue Centre

Tiger Rescue Centre at WFFT rescues and rehabilitates captive tigers, and offer a forever home to those who cannot safely be returned to the wild. Here the tigers can live freely in over seventeen acres of near-natural habitat. They currently have nine tigers at the centre, who were all saved from Phuket Zoo in 2022.

Tiger at WFFT Tiger Rescue Center (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Wildlife Education and Advocacy

WFFT raises awareness and fosters a deep connection between people and wildlife. Moreover, their educational programs reach out to local communities, schools, and visitors, shedding light on the importance of protecting biodiversity and respecting the habitats of all living creatures.

Tours are given to tourists at the rescue center with the aim of raising awareness for the plight of the animals in promoting responsible eco-tourism. Through workshops, guided tours, and interactive activities, WFFT nurtures a generation of environmental stewards who will safeguard Thailand’s natural heritage.

Ethical Tourism and Sustainable Practices

WFFT also actively promotes responsible and ethical tourism practices. They advocate for a shift away from activities that exploit animals for entertainment.

Also, they encourage tourists to choose ethical alternatives that prioritize the well-being of wildlife. By partnering with like-minded businesses and organizations, WFFT helps create a sustainable tourism model that benefits both local communities and the environment.

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Be a Part of the Wildlife Friends Foundation

If you’re passionate about animals and the environment and want to contribute to their cause, there are several ways you can get involved and be a part of WFFT’s efforts. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Gibbon at WFFT sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Donate

Your donations make a huge difference to rescued wildlife in South East Asia. WFFT is entirely dependent on donations from kind people like you. Moreover, your donations are used to feed rescued animals, give them spacious, enriched homes and provide life-saving medical care.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering at WFFT’s sanctuary is a hands-on way to directly contribute to the care and rehabilitation of rescued animals. Whether you’re assisting with animal feeding, enclosure maintenance, veterinary support, or enrichment activities, your time and effort will have a positive impact on the well-being of the animals.

Rescued macaque, Dumbo, having some fun in the water (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Visit the Sanctuary

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, consider visiting WFFT’s sanctuary. By joining a guided tour, you’ll not only learn about their conservation efforts but also directly contribute to their funds through the tour fees. Moreover, visiting the sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness their work firsthand and see the animals in a safe and ethical environment.

Primates at WFFT (Photo Courtesy of WFFT)

Spread Awareness

Utilize your social media platforms, blogs, and personal networks to share information about WFFT’s mission and achievements. By raising awareness about their work, you’re helping to expand their reach and influence, potentially inspiring others to get involved or support their cause.

Follow Wildlife Friends Foundation on Social Media

Website: https://www.wfft.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeFriendsFoundation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlife_friends_foundation/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wfft/_created/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildlifeFriends/featured

$ Donate: https://www.wfft.org/donate/