Founder and Director

Katherine has been pioneering ethical elephant management methods for more than twenty years. Internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on captive elephant welfare, she has travelled extensively, sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Sanctuary Manager

Kru Sing’s elephant journey started in 2019. Through his unshakable determination, compassion and drive, Kru Sing plays a pivotal role in the day to day running of BLES. He continues to inspire others with his empathy and passion for improving elephant welfare standards throughout Thailand.

Project Manager & Driver

Boo Kham has been a leading figure and central part of The BLES Family since it’s founding in 2006. Having grown up around elephants, Boo Kham brings a lifetime of experience and an in depth knowledge of captive elephant care to our sanctuary.

Veterinarian

Dr Gift is a qualified veterinarian and despite her young years, has extensive experience in treating elephants in difficult situations.

Operations Officer

Ya is a real life superwoman! She is hands on, high energy and quick thinking. She is a great problem solver and is always ready to help out when needed.

Mahout of Lotus

Sao is a strong and determined woman, who grew up in a family of men who worked with elephants. Her dedication and love for elephants is inspiring.

Mahout of Thong Poon

Boo Dum was born into a family of elephant handlers and has more than fifty years experience. He is renowned in the elephant world for his calming influence and pro active approach to compassionate bull management.

Mahout of Mare Noi

Boo Long has proved to be an integral member of our team for more than ten years now. He has an impressive history of elephant management and has handled some of the most dangerous elephants the province of Sukhothai has ever seen.

Mahout of Pang Dow

After working as a construction worker at BLES for many years, Boo Beh finally realised his life’s calling and became a mahout. He has been a reliable and trusted friend to our rescued elephants for 12 years now.

Mahout of Mama Rose

Boo Goong has worked with elephants his entire life and is highly experienced. He has a calm approach and deep understanding of elephant welfare.

Mahout of Naam Chok

Boo Lang is much loved member of The BLES Family and has an impressive history with elephants. He loves to sing and enjoys making friends with our guests.

Mahout of Thong Kham

Lon is the son of Boo Lang and is completely in love with his sweet elephant, Thong Kham. He is committed to being a protector of all our rescued elephants.

Mahout of Wassana

Boo Pieng has the biggest heart, but only has eyes for Wassana! He always has a smile and a joke to share and brings joy to the BLES Family.

Mahout of Pang Noi

Boo Duery has been working with BLES for 18 years now and has consistently been a source of reliability and compassion. He also has a passion for dogs!

Mahout of Pang Suai

Boo Lor is a founding member of the BLES Family and has played a pivotal role in helping elephants recover and recuperate throughout the past twenty years.

Mahout of Sweetheart

Nu spent his childhood learning about elephants from his father, Boo Sot, who was a founding member of BLES and sadly passed away in 2022. Nu adds vision and stability to the BLES Team.

Mahout of Aroon

Low is a vibrant member of The BLES Family and is proud to be following in his father’s footsteps - Boo Long. He is hardworking and has an unbreakable positive attitude.

Mahout of Precious

Pit has worked with BLES, on and off, since the very beginning and therefore has an in depth knowledge of helping traumatized elephants recover and rediscover themselves. He is the son of Boo Lor.

Mahout of Lucky

Boo Loy has been with BLES from it’s inception and has continued to wow the world with his gentleness and ability to successfully walk sick and elderly elephants through recovery.

Mahout of Ploy

Boo Bwon has a cheeky sense of humour and generous heart. He is a highly respected member of our local community and his love for elephants is contagious.

Mahout of Mare Ladee

Gun spent his childhood at BLES and realised his deep affinity with elephants at a very young age. He was so eager to work at BLES, he started sweeping the paths voluntarily, until a paid position became available.

Mahout of Dok Lak

Wim is new to The BLES Family and has been a very quick learner. He has an obvious passion for nature conservation and a quirky sense of humour!

Mahout of Granny Gaew

Boo Teb is one of the most devoted mahouts we have ever known here at BLES. He is besotted with Gaew and the two of them are adorable together!

Mahout of Boon Dwang

Jeng has always had a passion for elephants and has eased into life at BLES brilliantly. He has a great work ethic and enjoys running around after Boon Dwang!

Mahout of Poon Sab

Long, despite his young age, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to elephants. He has a gentle approach and deep understanding of elephant behaviour and he is in love with Poon Sab!

Mahout of Sompord

Boo Nit is a legend in the elephant world and we are honoured to consider him family. His expertise have helped many of our rescued elephants recover from their old lives. He has a natural gift with bulls.

Mahout of Boon Ma

Boo Chod is a very sweet and quiet man. His gentle nature and impecable work ethic means our beautiful Boon Ma is in the safest of hands. He is always ready to help when needed.

Head of Housekeeping

For 17 years, Ba Long has been the backbone of the BLES Family. Her love of dogs, cats and children shines from within and she is also an amazing cook too!

Head Cook

Ba Bwon is famous for her brilliant smile and incredible vegan cooking! She has been a central part of the BLES Family for 18 years now!

Housekeeper

Ba Lyn has been a source of strength to the BLES family for more than 17 years and is like a grandmother to the BLES children.

Small Animal Caregiver

Fern has been improving the lives of our rescued dogs and cats at BLES, ever since she left school. She always goes above and beyond to provide the best possible care to all of our rescued animals.

Housekeeper

Ba Sook has had a strong infinity for elephants ever since she was a child. Her father and most of her brothers had elephants and so she is very happy to be working around elephants again.

Housekeeper

Ba Nwon has been keeping BLES spic and span ever since it’s founding in 2006. She has an in depth knowledge of all things BLES as well as elephants, having spent her childhood around them.

Maintenance

Boo Mai has been helping to keep the BLES grounds kept & the buildings upright for more than 14 years now. He has a big heart for dogs & keeping things tidy!

Gardener

Boo Juke has been a pillar of strength to The BLES Family since its inception twenty years ago. He has a sterling work ethic and a fantastic smile!

Advisor - ‘Pu Yai’

Lune Boon Choo is our oldest and wisest mahout here at BLES and is a founding member of The BLES Family. Born to a family of elephant handlers, Lune Boon Choo is one of the most experienced mahouts in Northern Thailand and is highly respected by his peers.

The Eternal Father of BLES

Boo Sot was one of the founding members of the BLES Family and a driving force. His unwavering passion for life was contagious and he was famously known for his dedication to the welfare of not just elephants, but dogs, cats and children. He always played an active role in every elephant rescue and helped many of our rescues heal from their traumatic pasts.

Boo Sot has left a legacy of love behind him and we are all honored to keep it alive.

He was a friend to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.

Visionary

Anon was one of the greatest mahouts of our generation and was regarded as a pioneer for compassionate captive bull management.

Often called a true elephant whisperer, Anon helped create BLES to provide retirement for the elephants and mahouts in his local village, determined to keep his rich culture of elephants alive.

Anon’s spirit continues to surround the BLES Family and guide them onwards in their mission to create a more compassionate world for elephants.