Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is a dedicated non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2001 with a crucial mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care for wild animals that have been exploited, abused, or otherwise come into conflict with humans. Located in Phetchaburi Province, near Hua Hin, WFFT operates the largest wildlife rescue center in Thailand.

WFFT’s core work revolves around addressing various forms of animal cruelty and illegal wildlife trade. They focus on:

• Rescue and Rehabilitation: WFFT actively rescues animals from dire situations, including the illegal pet trade, abusive tourist attractions (like photo props, shows, and “zoos”), the logging industry, and animals orphaned due to human-wildlife conflict. Their goal is to rehabilitate these animals, and where feasible, release them back into their natural habitats. For those that cannot be released, they provide a safe, enriched, and as close to natural as possible, lifelong sanctuary.
• Sanctuary and Care: The foundation cares for hundreds of rescued animals, including a wide array of species such as Asian elephants, various primates (gibbons, macaques, lorises, langurs), bears (sun bears, Asiatic black bears), big cats (tigers), civets, reptiles, otters, and numerous bird species. Many of these are endangered. They operate a comprehensive Wildlife Rescue Centre and an Elephant Refuge, ensuring specialized care, veterinary treatment, and proper enclosures.
• Anti-Exploitation Campaigns: WFFT is a vocal advocate against all forms of animal abuse and exploitation. They actively campaign to end the illegal wildlife trade, discourage the keeping of wild animals as pets, and combat the use of animals in entertainment. Their efforts include raising awareness among both locals and tourists about the ethical implications of supporting such practices.
• Education and Awareness: A significant part of WFFT’s mission involves educating the public, especially children, about animal welfare and wildlife conservation. They aim to foster appreciation, understanding, and protection of wild animals and their natural rainforest habitats. They believe that by informing people, they can curb the demand that drives the exploitation of wildlife.
• Conservation and Reforestation: Beyond direct animal care, WFFT is involved in broader conservation efforts. This includes forest restoration projects, returning land to its original condition to create suitable habitats for wildlife, and promoting the protection of natural resources. They work in cooperation with the Department of National Parks and other organizations to achieve these goals.

WFFT relies entirely on donations and the support of volunteers from around the world to sustain its operations, providing a lifeline for countless animals in need and striving for a future where Thailand’s wildlife can thrive.