• Life On Land

Elephant Care and Protection Supporter

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Help Thailand's vulnerable elephants have a healthy and peaceful environment to live in, once again in their natural habitats.
  • Observe and understand elephants and their behaviour directly
  • Teach English to locals and help them get more involved with the cause

Highlights

  • Help Thailand's vulnerable elephants have a healthy and peaceful environment to live in, once again in their natural habitats.
  • Observe and understand elephants and their behaviour directly
  • Teach English to locals and help them get more involved with the cause
  • Meet people from all around the world and make life long bonds with them
  • Visit and get to know Thailand's rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help abused elephants recover and develop in a healthy environment by supporting them on their daily needs.

    Elephants are noble, admirable, intelligent and generally impressive animals At the elephant sanctuary, our goal is to bring solutions directly to these problems so that elephants can live in peace.

    The elephants were mostly born there at the elephant camp
    There are no longer baby elephants there

    At ...

    About the program

    Elephants are noble, admirable, intelligent and generally impressive animals At the elephant sanctuary, our goal is to bring solutions directly to these problems so that elephants can live in peace.

    The elephants were mostly born there at the elephant camp
    There are no longer baby elephants there

    At the center, one of the most daunting tasks is obtaining enough food for these elephants so that they can be healthy and happy; mother elephants can weigh up to four metric tons and are known to eat over three hundred pounds of vegetation per day (a nutritional need that increases substantially when mothers are nursing). 

    Getting enough daily food for all the elephants is a task that always requires a few extra hands, so as a volunteer, you can improve the elephants' lives by harvesting things like grass, corn and bananas. Also, as a volunteer, you will work alongside local villagers (most of whom are staff members) and their families. These villages are eager to learn English and learn more about foreign cultures, so this is a perfect opportunity for cultural exchange. 

    Other things volunteers will assist with is taking care of the elephants, bathing them, making herbal medicine balls, interacting with the daily visitors, along with many other tasks that may arise depending on the specific needs of the moment. 

    It is very important that volunteers always keep in mind to treat the animals with the utmost respect, love and affection. Also, always be very open to receive all the love that the elephants are more than willing to give, and be prepared to embrace the very particular ways that elephants have of showing that love, sometimes it can even be through a nice hose of water coming directly out of their trunks. ! :) 

    Typical day

    Volunteers work on weekdays (Monday through Friday), staring every morning at 6:30. Weekdays are free for volunteers to go explore and discover all the beautiful things Thailand has to offer.

    A volunteer's daily routine starts at 6:30, when they shall go to the river to bathe elephant 
    Then, ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers work on weekdays (Monday through Friday), staring every morning at 6:30. Weekdays are free for volunteers to go explore and discover all the beautiful things Thailand has to offer.

    A volunteer's daily routine starts at 6:30, when they shall go to the river to bathe elephant 
    Then, volunteers shall help feed the elephants, after which volunteers will go get breakfast for themselves.

    After having breakfast, the volunteer's daily tasks start. These will be assigned per day but are usually the ones mentioned before, such as harvesting grass or making herbal medicine balls for the elephants.

    There are 3 extra days of induction in Chiang Mai city, you will stay with breakfast additional days with an additional cost to wed of 80€. Your arrival will be on the indicated Friday between 8 am and 18:00. Monday morning you will be taken to the elephant center to start your week of volunteering, on Friday you will return to sleep in the house of the main volunteer in Chiang Mai. For Saturday or Sunday you can prepare your departure flight.

    Free-time activities

    You will be volunteering near the beautiful, northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. A complete contrast to Thailand's capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a smaller city with a huge connection to the environment, as it provides direct access to the nearby beautiful forest mountains that are a hotspot for ...

    Free-time activities

    You will be volunteering near the beautiful, northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. A complete contrast to Thailand's capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a smaller city with a huge connection to the environment, as it provides direct access to the nearby beautiful forest mountains that are a hotspot for adventurers and lovers of nature alike. In addition to that, Chiang Mai also has very intriguing traditionally Thai sites such as its well-known open air markets, its historic center filled with centuries old temples, or the Buddhist temples near the city. 

    In addition to that, Chiang Mai could offer you excursions and trekking on mountains and rice fields, beautiful handicrafts at its markets, night safaris, a bustling nightlife you can enjoy with other volunteers at the Zoe Yellow area, among other things.

    During your stay, you could also visit some of the other beautiful places in Thailand, such as its beaches or historical sites like Ayutthaya.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Volunteers must be respectful of nature, and be very passionate about helping elephants.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Adventure Volunteer

    Your rates include:

    • Airport pick up and transfer to your accommodation. (see friday arribe dates)
    • 2 days in Chiang Mai inducction house and breakfast ( 80€ not included)
    • Accommodation during your volunteering period
    • Three meals every day during your volunteer period.
    • Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the adventure volunteer team.
    • Program monitoring and evaluation
    • Orientation and induction to the program
    • Certificate of hours volunteered
    • Accident insurance during your volunteering
    • Liability for your activity
    • Receipt of the program fee from the NGO
    • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the program.

    Airport Pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport

    Volunteers will be picked up at the airport between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. If the volunteer arrives outside these hours, he/she will have to be picked up the next day at an agreed point or may have to cover some additional fees. 

    Accommodation

    On the day friday (8:00 to 18:00) of your arrival and the following two days of induction, you will stay at our accommodation in Chiang Mai.

    Afterwards, you will stay at the elephant camp for the rest of your participation in the volunteer program.

    At the elephant camp, you will have a shared room with other volunteers and access to common areas such as bathrooms with hot water and kitchen.

    You can see images of the accommodation available at the elephant camp in the images of this project. 

    You will have accommodation for 9 days and 8 nights

    Food & Beverages

    Three meals per day are included in the rates of this program elephants, in day induction Chiang Mai only breakfast.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The project is open to new volunteers three Fridays a month, every month except for the month of April. Volunteers must arrive on a Friday, as this allows them to be more easily inducted into the program. Day of arrivalStart of project
    Arrival dayElephant Camp Projects) 2025


    • the 6th of January – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of January
    • the 20th of January – arriving on Friday, the 17th of January
    • the 3rd of February – arriving on Friday, the 31st of January
    • the 17th of February – arriving on Friday, the 14th of February
    • the 3rd of March – arriving on Friday, the 28th of February
    • the 17th of March – arriving on Friday, the 14th of March (two week maximum before April break)
    • All Projects Closed in April, 2021
    • the 5th of May, – arriving on Friday, the 2nd of May
    • the 19th of May, – arriving on Friday, the 16th of May
    • the 2nd of June, – arriving on Friday, the 30th of May
    • the 16th of June, – arriving on Friday, the 13th of June
    • the 7th of July, – arriving on Friday, the 4th of July
    • the 21st of July, – arriving on Friday, the 18th of July
    • the 4th of August, – arriving on Friday, the 1st of August
    • the 18th of August, – arriving on Friday, the 15th of August
    • the 1st of September, – arriving on Friday, the 29th of August
    • the 15th of September, – arriving on Friday, the 12th of September
    • the 6th of October, – arriving on Friday, the 3rd of October
    • the 20th of October, – arriving on Friday, the 17th of October
    • the 3rd of November, – arriving on Friday, the 31st of October
    • the 17th of November, – arriving on Friday, the 14th of November
    • the 1st of December, – arriving on Friday, the 28th of November
    • the 15th of December, – arriving on Friday, the 12th of December

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week 1 day (min. stay) 880€
    2 weeks (max. stay) 1,380€
    Average fees 690€/week

    Program fees

    690€ per week 1 - 2 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 2 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Adventure Volunteer during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Adventure Volunteer

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (42 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2017

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sergio

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    Support in the cooperation and creation of social and environmental projects in communities at risk of social exclusion, through international volunteering.

    Meet your organization


    ADVENTURE VOLUNTEER is a non-profit organization, established in 2017. We collaborate in the social and environmental field through projects of conservation and protection of the environment and animals, as well as in the social part through projects of empowerment of women, community development, functional diversity, medical or teaching.


    Our team of collaborators has a deep experience in international volunteer programs.  We know all the realities of the areas where we are working, collaborating and where we have a presence. 


    Our projects offer volunteers the opportunity to meet, share and participate in social and environmental projects. These projects demand educational and recreational activities that benefit communities of different cultures and customs, communities with economic difficulties and different degrees of social exclusion.

    42 reviews · rating4.7

    My experience with Adventure Volunteer in Thailand, especially the elephant project, was a magical journey. Working closely with these majestic animals and contributing to their welfare was heartwarming. Adventure Volunteer's dedication to conservation and respect for animal life created an ...
    Collaborating with Adventure Volunteer's elephant project in Thailand was a unique connection to nature. Caring for these majestic animals while promoting awareness of their welfare was a moving experience. Thank you Adventure Volunteer for allowing me to be a part of something so meaningful and ...
    Shimene Mahadewsing rating4

    2024 at Elephant Care and Protection Supporter

    Ik heb een geweldige tijd gehad tijdens het vrijwilligersproject met de olifanten in Thailand. De mensen van het olifanten camp zijn onwijs lief en hebben mij goed verwelkomt. Verder draait het vooral om de ervaring en was het naar mijn ervaring niet 'hard' werken. Je krijgt veel quality time met de ...
    My experience with Adventure Volunteer in Peru was a building adventure that left a lasting impression. Working side by side with the local community, erecting structures that will benefit future generations, was incredibly ...
    I experienced magical moments while releasing hatchlings into the ocean. I thank Adventure Volunteer for opening the doors to this corner of Panama full of life and ...
    Contributing to sustainable development and sharing with local people allowed me to understand the importance of human connection. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the authenticity of Panama while creating a positive ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Chiang Mai

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    Contact Sergio
      Very high response rate
    Spanish, English

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