About the Program
At the Elephant Refuge we currently care for 24 Asian elephants, the majority of which were rescued from elephant trekking camps where they have been brutally used to entertain tourists. At this program, volunteers have the chance to interact with some of the elephants in an ethical setting. Volunteers will be involved in the basic daily care tasks of the elephants such as; cleaning of the enclosures and washing pool, food harvesting and creating enrichments. It is possible to interact with some of the elephants at certain times of the day such as feeding and enrichment times. The other times the elephants are hands off and encouraged to enjoy their retirement in peace.
Why this program?
The rescued elephants get to live in close proximity to their natural environment due to the forested land surrounding the rescue centre. With its 18 hectares of natural forests, lakes, and grazing grounds, the largest elephant enclosure allows our elephants ample room to roam and socialise with one another to enjoy their retirement as they deserve. This program operates the first elephant sanctuary in Asia free of chains! There is never an elephant chained up, day or night.
The endangered Asian elephant can be found in both wild and tamed forms in Thailand. Sadly, most of the animals in the domestic population are either captive-bred or wild-captured animals. These animals are housed and employed in the tourism or timber industries after having been trained or broken. Elephants in the wild in Thailand are currently fighting for their lives. There are an estimated 3000–3500 wild elephants in Thailand, which are dispersed throughout the nation’s wide grasslands and deep rainforests. Ironically and unintentionally contributing to the destruction of the very habitat that elephants depend on for survival, elephants have historically been mostly employed in the logging sector.
Following the ban on logging, the majority of logging elephants were either employed in the tourism sector or were forced to beg on the streets of large cities. The elephant’s health is negatively impacted by walking on these filthy, packed streets day and night, and it is not natural. Elephants used for street begging frequently become engaged in traffic accidents, typically resulting in fatalities for both the elephant and the mahout.
The support of our volunteers is essential to the refuge. The refuge offers a sanctuary for elephants to retire, and be given the respect that these amazing creatures deserve. When volunteering with the elephants, you will help them by providing essential care such as feeding and creating of enrichments, cleaning and maintaining their enclosures, and collecting their food. You will also be taught everything you need to know about the plight of the Asian Elephant in Thailand, and we hope that you will help us to spread awareness and educate others.
What is included in this program?
Your program fees cover:
- Accommodation (See below for detailed information)
- On Site Support Staff
- Airport Collection (See below for detailed information)
- Food & Water (3 Meals per day)
- Contribution to the refuge centre towards the Elephant’s care and food
- Wifi
- Welcome Orientation
- Registration Fee
What will I be doing?
When volunteering with the elephants, you will help them by providing essential care such as; Feeding the elephants, Cleaning their enclosures and washing pool area, walking elephants to the forest reserve to allow them to forage on natural foods, Creating enrichments to stimulate the elephants, maintaining enclosures and pools, Harvesting plant matter, including banana trees to feed to our elephants, Other activities depending on current needs of the Rescue Centre, e.g. helping out at other areas of the base, planting grasses and trees.
You will also be taught everything you need to know about the plight of the Asian Elephant in Thailand, and we hope that you will help us to spread awareness and educate others.
The working day starts at 6:30am, volunteers will normally finish work around 17:00pm, with several breaks throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and water and toilet breaks. Volunteers are expected to work 6 days a week with one day off. The work can be quite physically demanding but the end result is always well worth it.
Volunteers will be assigned to work groups each day by the volunteer coordinators, and work with team leaders who are longer-term experienced volunteers who assist and guide their teams throughout daily tasks. Each person has their own pace, their own strengths and weaknesses. You are kindly asked to respect that not everyone has the same abilities and may work at a different pace to yourself. Everyone is here to help the animals and makes their contribution in their own way. Please speak to the volunteer coordinators if you feel you have been given too much or too little work for your personal abilities, as there are plenty of tasks to suit all.
All volunteers during their time will be asked to assist in additional tasks to help us run the volunteer house such as Doggie Duty. Typically, two people per day are chosen to help with each. Doggie Duty involves caring for some of the dogs that live at the volunteer house. This involves washing, feeding and walking the dogs. Volunteer coordinators will be around to answer any questions, and monitor and observe each group throughout the day. You, the volunteers help a lot around the center with daily tasks and large ongoing projects. Without you, it would not at all be possible.
Who will I be working with?
Volunteers with the Elephant Refuge will spend their time with the mahouts (elephant handlers) and fellow international volunteers from around the world.
How do I get to the program?
You will stay on site at the volunteer base area of the elephant refuge. Surrounded by lush foliage and amazing views.
What do we expect from a volunteer?
Volunteers are very much appreciated and are essential to the proper running of the rescue center; however, in all that we do the animals must come first. We encourage you to make friends and socialize after work in the evenings. However please always be respectful to the animals, other volunteers and staff that live here. There is a limit to the amount of noise and disturbance that can take place at the rescue centre, and any unruly partying or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
In order to become an elephant volunteer with us you need to fulfill the following criteria:
• You must be in good physical and mental condition
• You must be able to tolerate hot and humid climate
• You must be able to speak English or Thai
• You must be 18 years old or over
• You must have a positive and practical attitude towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation
What can you expect from us?
Our Volunteer Coordinators are able to help whenever you need assistance. They can help with scheduling issues, animal issues, illness, emergencies back home, as well as personal support while you are away from home. Our coordinators can be very busy, but we have an open door policy so you can come and talk to us any time you need. Each week our volunteer coordinators hold a volunteer meeting to provide updates on the animals, and to resolve any work related issues that have arisen during the week prior, as well as to allow volunteers the chance to ask questions about the animals or their volunteer experience.
What should I bring?
We suggest; Lightweight work clothes you do not mind sweating in and getting dirty (shorts and t-shirts), Long sleeve top(s) and trousers to protect you from mosquito bites in the evenings, Sunhat, cap or bandana, Torch/flashlight, Alarm clock, Power adaptor, Your own towels (can be bought locally although choice is limited), Comfortable shoes or sandals (your feet will get wet no matter what time of year due to the nature of some of the work), Lightweight rainproof clothing (e.g. poncho – cheap quality ones can be bought locally), Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked if you wish to buy a Thai sim card, Simple first aid kit with plasters, bandages, antiseptics and various medications for gastric bug, Working gloves are recommended when harvesting food for the elephants, and essential when composting and High-factor sun-cream/sunglasses are recommended.
Typical working day
The working day starts at 6:30am, volunteers will normally finish work around 17:00pm, with several breaks throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and water and toilet breaks.
Tasks during the day include;
• Feeding the elephants
• Cleaning their enclosures
• Walking elephants to the forest to allow them to forage on natural foods and pool area for washing.
• Creating enrichments to stimulate the elephants
• Maintaining enclosures and pools
• Harvesting plant matter, including banana trees to feed to our elephants
• Other activities depending on current needs of the Rescue Centre, e.g. helping out at other areas of the base, planting grasses and trees.
