Volunteer with elephants and other wildlife in Thailand

The project
Home to over 700 animals rescued from neglect and abuse, this inspiring haven needs the help of volunteers to feed, water and enrich the animals, whilst maintaining the environment of the sanctuary.

Rescued from varying conditions of cruelty and neglect, many of the animals brought here cannot be released back to the wild. Volunteers are essential in helping to maintain the sanctuary, giving the wildlife here the greatest chance of a good life.

Volunteer role
There are over 700 animals at the sanctuary, including orangutans, elephants, sun bears, monkeys, gibbons, macaques, otters and birds. Volunteers have the amazing opportunity to work closely with these rescued animals, learning more about them and making a genuine contribution towards their survival.

Typical tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Food preparation and feeding
• Cleaning the enclosures and creating enrichments
• Harvesting food for the elephants
• Bathing and exercising the elephants

Volunteers can either work with a variety of animals at the sanctuary, or just with elephants.

Accommodation
Volunteers live on site, going to sleep to the chattering of the primates and the wind in the trees. The accommodation is basic and comfortable, with 2 - 4 volunteers generally sharing a room with a bathroom. Three meals per day are provided, allowing participants to get to know delicious Thai food, but also have a bit of western food as well.

Free time
Volunteers have one day off per week to enjoy all that this corner of Thailand has to offer. Volunteers enjoy exploring the night markets, heading to the beach, exploring the nearby National Park and taking in the Thai temples.

Project highlights

• Working with a variety of animals, helping to give them a better life
• Living in a remote corner of Thailand yet close to the beach and the largest National Park in the country
• Tasting the incredible food that Thailand is renowned for
• Getting up close to elephants in a sustainable and ethical way

Useful extra information about the organisation of this project

• You will be with other international volunteers from around the world
• There is 24/7 emergency support
• Speak to someone who has done this project - our experienced team have volunteered on all of our projects and know them intimately
• You will need travel insurance to be able to join this project - we can offer advice of what to look for in a travel insurance policy