WFFT marks 25 years of wildlife rescue
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) Celebrates 25 Years of Rescue and Rehabilitation
In May 2026, WFFT marks 25 years of rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wildlife in Thailand. What began as a “hobby” caring for a few primates by Founder and Director Edwin Wiek has grown into one of the country’s leading wildlife rescue organisations, providing sanctuary and veterinary care to hundreds of animals each year.
Founded in 2001, just a short distance from Hua Hin, WFFT was created in response to the widespread exploitation of wildlife across Thailand – from elephants used in riding and logging, to primates and bears kept as pets, or used in entertainment. The foundation’s mission is to give animals kept in unnatural and abusive conditions, far removed from their natural environments, a second chance at life.
WFFT was one of the first chain-free elephant sanctuaries in Thailand and is the only NGO-run tiger sanctuary in Thailand. From humble beginnings in collaboration with the local community and a piece of donated temple land, the now more than 220-acre sanctuary offers a safe haven for more than 60 species and almost 900 animals, including elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, macaques, and otters.
The wildlife hospital sits at the heart of the sanctuary, caring for animals from across Thailand. It supports those undergoing rehabilitation before release back into the wild, as well as providing ongoing care for the hundreds of residents who, sadly, cannot go back to nature.
WFFT is home to animals like Canoe, a chimpanzee who spent more than 30 years in a small cage at a school in Bangkok; Bouncer, a bear who lost a leg to a trap as a cub; and Oreo, a rare hairy-nosed otter rescued from the pet trade – one of only two of his species in a sanctuary anywhere in the world.
WFFT welcomes visitors and volunteers, offering both day visits and overnight stays. It promotes an ethical, hands-off approach, allowing animals to live as naturally as possible without forced interactions.
Over the past 25 years, WFFT has played an important role in raising awareness about wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Through education, outreach, and responsible tourism, the foundation encourages visitors and the public to better understand the challenges facing wildlife and advocates for stronger protections.
Alongside its wildlife work, WFFT also runs People & Animals Thailand (PAT), a dedicated sterilisation and vaccination project for stray and roaming dogs and cats – working to reduce the number of unwanted animals born into often short and difficult lives on the streets.
In recent years, the foundation has expanded its work to include wildlife education programmes in schools, illegal wildlife trade research, campaigns for legislative change, and collaborations with organisations across Asia for capacity building and training.
Edwin Wiek says:
“I can hardly believe 25 years have passed. It has been a rollercoaster, with many highs and numerous tough times along the way. We wouldn’t still be here today without the support of donors, visitors, and volunteers from all over the world. We are deeply thankful to everyone who has stood with us and continues to support our work.”
As WFFT celebrates this milestone, the focus remains firmly on the future. The foundation aims to expand its rescue and rehabilitation efforts and continue advocating for stronger protections for wildlife in Thailand and across Asia. This includes working to end the use of monkeys in Thailand’s coconut industry, improving conditions for animals in captivity, and working towards ending wildlife shows and venues that allow interactions with wild animals.
This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the many lives saved, but also a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. The mission continues. Find out more at wfft.org
