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Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
No elephant rides or circus tricks here—this wildlife rescue centre allows visitors to see a wide array of wild animals and interact with elephants in an ethical way. The animals at the park are rescued from the pet trade or the entertainment industry, or from being injured in the wild or by people, and many are released after being rehabilitated. The park has more than 900 animals from over 70 species; the exact cast varies as they are rescued and released, but you're sure to see lots of elephants and several species of monkeys, and likely also bears, peacocks, boars, cassowaries, slow lorises, orangutans, tigers, and otters. The standard one-day tour (with pickup available from Hua Hin, Cha-am, or Bangkok) includes a walking tour around several of the enclosures where you learn about the animals and the abuse they've endured, a buffet lunch (vegetarian/vegan options available), feeding and bathing elephants, a stop at the gift shop, and finally a bus tour around more enclosures. A half-day tour is also available with just the walking tour and lunch, or if you're really passionate you can stay at the lodge (includes breakfast with elephants) or volunteer at the centre.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) is a registered foundation (non-profit) NGO (non-governmental organization) in Thailand, founded in 2001 by Edwin Wiek. The foundation has several different projects including animal rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary assistance to wild animals in Thailand. It also is active in promoting the protection of wildlife, their natural habitat and the natural environment. This is done through educational initiatives for local Thai people as well as tourists. WFFT operate a rescue center and wildlife refuge, including an Elephant refuge. WFFT responds to reports by the public and government officials of wildlife in need of care. Many of these rescued wild animals are kept as pets illegally, or are found injured. WFFT is known for their public stand against the so-called Tiger Temple and its ongoing violations of laws regarding keeping protected wildlife.
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A small nature preserve as parks go, but it's still worth seeing. It's a splendid place for birdwatching, and if you're lucky you might see gibbons swinging around in the trees. All-terrain vehicles are available for guided tours of the park, with rental costing 500 baht for half an hour and 900 baht per hour. There is a restaurant in the park.