Tucked amid the rolling hills of southeast Oklahoma, the Endangered Ark Foundation is a sanctuary where Asian elephants retire, roam, and raise new generations. Founded by the Miller family in 1993, the ranch now cares for one of ...
Most visitors rave about getting up close with well-cared-for elephants on spacious grounds, with many praising the knowledgeable and friendly staff who clearly know their animals. Families especially love the hands-on elements like feeding and ear scrubbing, and several reviewers appreciate that their money supports the elephants' care and breeding program. The overnight cabin experience gets particular praise for its originality and attention to detail. That said, there's some controversy worth noting. A few visitors question certain practices and whether this truly operates as a sanctuary, particularly around occasional public events. Some felt the standard tour was rushed and impersonal for the price, with limited elephant interaction time. However, the majority of guests found the experience educational and genuinely enjoyed seeing these magnificent animals in a spacious environment. If you're looking for an elephant encounter and book in advance, you'll likely come away with great photos and memories, though some tours may feel brief.
It is a fairly new destination for visitors.They still seem to be working things out, so they go smoothly. We rented a cabin to have breakfast with the elephants. It was a stormy day so alternate plans had to be used. They are a refuge for Asian Elephants, so things were pricey. I'm sure it's not easy to maintain an Elephant habitat and the Elephants. I'm sure things will get better as they are more practiced with the business portion. It is absolutely amazing to feed and pet an elephant! Very deserving of any donations given.
Sherri Gold
March 20, 2026
It is a fairly new destination for visitors.They still seem to be working things out, so they go smoothly. We rented a cabin to have breakfast with the elephants. It was a stormy day so alternate plans had to be used. They are a refuge for Asian Elephants, so things were pricey. I'm sure it's not easy to maintain an Elephant habitat and the Elephants. I'm sure things will get better as they are more practiced with the business portion. It is absolutely amazing to feed and pet an elephant! Very deserving of any donations given.
Sherri Gold
March 20, 2026