From our shoreline to their forest: why Tangalooma supports the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
For decades, the heart of Tangalooma Island Resort has been the nightly arrival of the wild dolphin family to our shores. This magical interaction is built on a foundation of respect, research, and a profound commitment to protecting the pristine Moreton Bay Marine Park these creatures call home. Our conservation ethic is the guiding star for everything we do. We believe that ethical, sustainable tourism is the key to preserving our planet’s natural wonders, a belief that we recently discovered is shared by a remarkable organisation half a world away.
This connection was brought to us by members of our own Tangalooma team, who recently visited the forested mountains of Northern Thailand. They returned not just with incredible memories, but with the inspiring story of the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary - a non-profit whose values echoed our own so strongly that we knew we had to share their story.
A shared philosophy of freedom and respect
Just as we provide a safe and natural environment for dolphins to be observed, Kindred Spirit offers a different kind of elephant experience. Founded on principles of ethical conservation and community empowerment, they are bringing elephants home. Instead of being used for rides or performances, elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries are returned to a semi-wild environment. Here, they can roam freely through the forest, forage for food, and live as elephants should—a philosophy that mirrors our own commitment to observing wildlife in its natural state.
Conservation beyond a single species
Our team was struck by how their work, like ours, extends to the entire ecosystem. While our focus is the health of Moreton Bay, Kindred Spirit works to protect the surrounding forest, which is also home to gibbons, wild boars, and countless native bird and plant species. It’s a powerful reminder that true conservation means protecting habitats, not just individual animals.
Furthermore, their success is deeply rooted in partnership with the local Karen hill tribe. By creating sustainable livelihoods through traditional homestays and educational experiences, they empower the community to be the guardians of the forest. This integration of conservation and education is something we deeply admire and strive for within our own programs at the Eco Centre.
Join us in supporting ethical tourism
The stories our staff shared have solidified our belief that whether it's a dolphin in the ocean or an elephant in the forest, the principles of protection are the same. We are proud to use our platform to raise awareness for the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary and their community-driven approach to conservation.
For anyone who has felt the wonder of watching the dolphins at our shore, we encourage you to learn more about this incredible organisation. Supporting them is a way to extend that same spirit of conservation across the globe. To learn more visit their website.