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Kulen Elephant Forest History

Overview of Kulen Elephant Forest

As you take your journey, you will understand how the elephant has been so important in the creation of the fabulous Kingdom of Cambodia. The elephant has seen and served many kings and queens as they have travelled to and from the temples and has even helped to construct those same temples. Unfortunately, the elephant has also been used by soldiers in war time.

The elephant is a highly regarded and respected animal, and one of our main concerns, at Kulen Elephant Forest, is to educate the people of Cambodia to preserve and sustain the elephant, and all wildlife, especially those that have become endangered because of warfare. We are committed to using our resources to help improve the quality of understanding in prese.

In the foothills of Kulen Mountain, lies the Bos Thom Community Forest, 1100 acres of protected forest inhabited by the former elephants of Angkor. For 22 years, these elephants have given rides to visitors in the temples of the world heritage site. Today, they roam free in their natural habitat and are living testimony of a changing world.

With 75 remaining captive elephants in Cambodia, the protection of this amazing animal is more critical than ever. A visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest will not only help the elephants of Angkor but all elephants in Cambodia through the KEF’s longer term objectives, for we believe in the power of education and tourism as drivers for conservation.

The Kulen Elephant Forest is a haven where retired elephants can interact freely, and are treated with the greatest care and attention. At the reserve, there are no tricks, no riding, and the elephants now roam and socialize unburdened, within 530 acres of lush forest.