The Asiatic elephants have smaller ears than their African relatives, and have just one finger at the top of their trunk in stead of two. The tusks of these animals are small and by females sometimes totally absent.
These species is threatened with extinction, foremost by struggle against humans for land, but also poaching for ivory and unbelievably, by killing these creatures in the name of sport. Also many of these elephants are abused. An owner often buys the elephant purely to obtain begging money. Most owners don’t have experience with riding and taking care of an elephant, which leads to the elephant being badly mistreated and beaten.
Project
Volunteering with elephants in Thailand; The elephant project was set up in 1996. Their aim is to rescue the Asian elephants and provide a better home for them. Here the elephants receive the proper diet and lots of attention. The project also collects money for the elephants’ welfare and development. They organise for example different kinds of instructive excursions in order to educate tourists and schools etc. Another project programme is tree planting in the surrounding area. This aims to restore the ecological balance of plants and animals by gradual reintroduction of the rainforest. For the next 5 years some 25 acres of the mountainside will be planted every year.
The project also takes care of dogs, cats, buffalo and others.
The project is managed by the founder of this elephant centre. The rest of the staff consists of a group of full-time Thai employees/mahouts and (international) cordinators. They are friendly people who will supervise you during your stay. The language spoken at this project is English (and Thai).
The project is situated in the of North-west of Thailand about 60 km from the city Chiang Mai. It’s a green and alpine environment.
You will be responsible for arranging your own transport to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Detailed information will be provided after booking.
Before you start at the project you will get an area introduction and meet the staff and mahouts. Volunteer activities may include:
- Help with food- caring, cleaning and preparation.
- Assisting of the elephant providers (mahout) with caring for he elephenats like feeding and also with some other tasks in and outside the park.
- Poe and dirt scooping
- Caring for other animals present like dogs, etc.
- Construction, fence, maintaining mud pits, helping in local villages, walking
- Helping cutting banana leafs, corn, etc.
- You will learn about elephant diseases and about elephant families and their communication.
- Replanting in the rainforest.
You will work the whole week (about 8 hours a day). Volunteers who will stay for 2 weeks have free time on Sunday afternoon (if the work allows this).
- Minimum age for participation is 18 years old, or from 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or adult taking responsibility of the participant.
- You must be able to work in a team.
- Be flexible and able to work long hours.
- There are no required vaccines for this project, but recommended vaccines are DTP, hepatitis A/B, BMR (for the additional vaccines and other vaccines and/or information about this subject, we advise you to contact or visit your local clinic).
Volunteers are welcome all year around. Start every Monday and ends every Sunday. Minimum participation of 1 week.
| Period | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 week | € 535,00 |
| 2 weeks | € 905,00 |
- Information and assistence before deparure
- If desired, free estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
- Accommodation
- 3 meals a day
- Donation to the project
- Training and supervision
- Internet connection (generally available)
- Administration costs
- And, of course a very memorable experience!
Prices are valid for the said periods in the year 2021.
Extensive information Project Asian Elephants in Thailand (PDF)