The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) plays a crucial role in combating wildlife exploitation, promoting environmental protection, and aligning with global efforts to achieve sustainability.
As biodiversity faces increasing threats worldwide, organisations like WFFT contribute to the realisation of the Global Goals, particularly those related to life on land, justice and strong institutions, and economic equality. Through a combination of rescue operations, rehabilitation programs, advocacy, and education, WFFT has become a model for ethical wildlife conservation, highlighting the importance of science-driven solutions and global collaboration.
Thailand’s wildlife crisis: An urgent need for action
Thailand is home to over 10% of the world’s animal species, making it one of the most biodiverse nations on the planet. The country’s forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems support 285 species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds, 350 species of reptiles, and over 600 species of freshwater fish. However, rapid deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and unethical tourism practices are putting immense pressure on these ecosystems.
Over 32% of Thailand’s forests have been lost in the last 50 years due to logging, agriculture, and urban expansion.
More than 60% of Thailand’s mammal species are considered at risk of extinction, including the Asian elephant, Indochinese tiger, and clouded leopard.
The illegal wildlife trade in Thailand is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion annually, making it one of the largest hubs for trafficking in Southeast Asia.
More than 3,000 wild animals are estimated to be illegally captured from Thai forests each year, with many sold as pets, used in traditional medicine, or exploited in tourism.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts that protect both wildlife and their habitats while addressing economic and social drivers of exploitation.
WFFT’s comprehensive approach to conservation
Since its founding in 2001 by Edwin Wiek, WFFT has become Thailand’s largest multi-species rescue organisation, rehabilitating thousands of animals and advocating for systemic change. The foundation’s initiatives span multiple areas:
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
WFFT has rescued over 6,000 animals since its inception, providing them with high-quality veterinary care and naturalistic enclosures. These include:
Over 100 elephants rescued from abusive tourism operations.
More than 500 primates, including gibbons, macaques, and lorises.
Dozens of bears, civets, and other small carnivores saved from illegal trade and captivity.
The WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre, located in Phetchaburi province, provides a permanent sanctuary for animals that cannot be reintroduced into the wild, ensuring their lifelong welfare.
Elephant refuge and ethical tourism advocacy
Thailand’s elephant tourism industry remains a major driver of animal exploitation, with over 3,800 elephants used in entertainment, logging, and trekking camps. Many of these elephants endure harsh training methods, including physical punishment and starvation to make them submissive for tourist interactions.
WFFT operates Thailand’s first ethical elephant refuge, allowing rescued elephants to live freely in a 100-acre forested sanctuary. Unlike conventional elephant camps, WFFT strictly prohibits elephant rides, performances, or direct human interaction, advocating for a shift towards responsible eco-tourism.
Wildlife hospital and veterinary assistance
WFFT runs one of Thailand’s most advanced wildlife hospitals, treating both rescued and wild animals in distress. The hospital provides:
Over 2,000 medical treatments per year.
Surgical procedures, rehabilitation therapies, and emergency care for injured wildlife.
Veterinary training programs to build local expertise in wildlife medicine and rescue.
Education and community engagement
Public awareness is crucial in reducing demand for illegal wildlife products and unethical animal tourism. WFFT has launched nationwide education campaigns, reaching:
Over 50,000 Thai students through school programs on wildlife conservation.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists through guided tours at the rescue centre, encouraging responsible travel choices.
International media coverage in National Geographic, BBC, and Animal Planet, highlighting the scientific and ethical dimensions of wildlife protection.
Interview with Edwin Wiek, Founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)
GSN: Mr. Wiek, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your work at WFFT has had a significant impact on wildlife conservation in Thailand. Let’s begin with some key questions about your mission and the challenges you face.
Wildlife conservation in Thailand
GSN: WFFT has been at the forefront of rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals in Thailand. What are the most pressing threats to Thailand’s wildlife today, and how has WFFT adapted its strategies to address them?
Edwin Wiek: In 25 years, much has changed; however, the threat remains the same. While poaching in Thailand was a major concern 25 years ago, the country has now become more of a transit hub rather than a destination market. It serves as an intermediary, supplying countries such as Indonesia and various African nations, while acting as a middleman for trade routes leading to India, China, and other destinations.
We invest significant time and resources in investigating open-source information to find effective ways to disrupt this illegal trade. The rescue of injured animals remains as critical as ever, and we are actually seeing an increase in cases due to improved infrastructure within the country.
Raising awareness continues to be one of our top priorities to ensure that future generations do not repeat the same mistakes.
Ethical tourism and its challenges
GSN: Tourism plays a major role in Thailand’s economy, but it has also contributed to wildlife exploitation. How do you see the role of ethical tourism in conservation, and what challenges remain in shifting public perception away from exploitative practices?
EW: It is almost impossible to completely stop the exploitation of wildlife in tourism. Instead of outright bans, we believe in campaigning against it with full force while promoting ethical alternatives, such as our programs. We hope that, through increased awareness, people will choose responsible options over the harmful practices still prevalent across Thailand.
The impact of illegal wildlife trade
GSN: Thailand has long been a hub for the illegal wildlife trade, which generates billions of dollars annually. Have you seen improvements in law enforcement and public awareness in recent years, and what more needs to be done at a policy level?
EW: This situation is caught between two worlds, to be honest. On one hand, we see more confiscations and increased efforts by authorities to combat the illegal trade. On the other hand, the trade itself is expanding, with vast numbers of animals being exported to India, China, Vietnam, and Laos.
While the number of confiscated animals has risen, we are not seeing a corresponding increase in convictions. Strengthening legal enforcement is the real way forward if we want to stop this trade.
I feel that we may never be able to completely eradicate the illegal wildlife trade, but there are certainly more effective ways to slow it down.
Aligning conservation with global sustainability goals
GSN: WFFT’s work aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action and biodiversity protection. How do you see the connection between wildlife conservation and broader global sustainability efforts? Are you aware that with your work, you are part of the global society?
EW: I’ve never really looked into this, but it’s good to know that we are making a positive impact beyond just helping animals. Ultimately, global sustainability benefits people, and in turn, it should also improve conditions for wildlife. It’s actually quite simple.
Future of wildlife protection in Thailand
GSN: Looking ahead, what are WFFT’s most ambitious goals for the next decade? Are there any upcoming projects or policy initiatives that you believe could significantly improve the protection of Thailand’s wildlife?
EW: I hope that our foundation will become a learning centre in the future for veterinarians, biologists, primatologists, and anyone interested in pursuing a career in wildlife conservation in Asia.
We are currently building a new wildlife hospital with all the necessary facilities, which is expected to be completed by May this year. Additionally, we aim to establish a forensic wildlife unit within the next year to assist authorities by providing forensic evidence to strengthen the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Thank you for visiting our projects and giving us the opportunity to contribute to your article.
GSN: Thank you, Mr. Wiek, for sharing your insights. Your dedication to wildlife protection is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how WFFT continues to shape ethical conservation in Thailand and beyond.
The role of the global society in wildlife conservation
The challenges facing Thailand’s wildlife are part of a broader global crisis. Habitat destruction, illegal trade, and climate change affect biodiversity worldwide, making international collaboration essential. Organisations like WFFT demonstrate how local initiatives can contribute to global sustainability efforts.
1. Aligning with global goals: WFFT’s work supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 13: Climate Action, by protecting forests that serve as carbon sinks.
SDG 15: Life on Land, by restoring ecosystems and protecting endangered species.
SDG 16: Peace and Justice, by advocating against illegal wildlife trade and strengthening conservation laws.
2. Scientific research and policy advocacy: WFFT collaborates with universities, NGOs, and governmental agencies to promote evidence-based policies on wildlife protection.
3. Volunteer and citizen engagement: Thousands of volunteers from over 50 countries contribute to WFFT’s efforts annually, demonstrating the power of global solidarity in conservation.
Future prospects: Strengthening wildlife protection in Thailand
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. The demand for exotic pets, coupled with weak law enforcement, continues to drive wildlife trafficking. However, ongoing efforts signal hope:
Thailand has strengthened anti-trafficking laws, with harsher penalties for poachers and smugglers.
Public awareness about ethical tourism is growing, with a 40% increase in tourists seeking non-exploitative wildlife experiences.
Conservation organisations are advocating for the closure of facilities involved in unethical practices, such as tiger farms and elephant camps.
How to get involved
Wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility. Individuals can support efforts like WFFT’s by:
Visiting ethical sanctuaries that do not exploit animals for entertainment.
Refusing to engage in animal performances or photo opportunities with wildlife.
Donating to organisations working to rescue and rehabilitate animals.
Volunteering at reputable wildlife rescue centres.
For more information, visit WFFT’s official website and explore opportunities to support their vital work.
The future of Thailand’s wildlife depends on collective action. By integrating scientific research, global collaboration, and ethical tourism, organisations like WFFT play a pivotal role in addressing the world’s environmental challenges. As society progresses towards peace and justice, the protection of wildlife must remain a key priority within the broader framework of sustainable development and the Global Goals.
Through ongoing conservation efforts, strengthened laws, and responsible tourism choices, it is possible to create a world where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony, ensuring a future where biodiversity thrives and the natural world is preserved for generations to come.