Elephant Conservation Worker

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience the Thai way of life and live in 'the land of smiles'
  • Contribute to the protection of an endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country

Highlights

  • Experience the Thai way of life and live in 'the land of smiles'
  • Contribute to the protection of an endangered species and play your part in their conservation
  • Further your career working with animals by making a difference in another country
  • Engage with elephants in an environment created to ensure they most comfortable life possible
  • Have the opportunity after your placement to discover one of the most popular countries to visit in the world


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Help make a difference to elephants who had previously been kept in poor conditions around the country, by creating a safe and comfortable environment for them.

    Of the 50,000 elephants once living in Thailand, there are only around 2,000 left today. Both free-living and domesticated elephants are threatened with extinction, which makes it so hard to believe that only sixty years ago, more than 50,000 roamed free. Wild elephants are hunted for their ivory ...

    About the program

    Of the 50,000 elephants once living in Thailand, there are only around 2,000 left today. Both free-living and domesticated elephants are threatened with extinction, which makes it so hard to believe that only sixty years ago, more than 50,000 roamed free. Wild elephants are hunted for their ivory and their habitats are cleared and converted into plantations, whilst other illegal trades also affect their numbers. Domesticated elephants are mainly used as tourist attractions, and the lack of adequate care and appropriate living conditions has caused them to become just as threatened as those in the wild.

    Unfortunately, there is no law for the protection of these animals, which is why they urgently need the help and support of our volunteers!

    The sanctuary for endangered elephants is in the southern part of central Thailand. The sanctuary is set across 7 acres of safe habitat, for them to roam freely and recover from the poor conditions they've lived in previously. The facility is actually the first chain-free elephant protection organisation in Asia! The elephants living here were rescued by the sanctuary after being captured or raised as livestock, mostly for use in the tourism or construction industry. Many of them are elderly, blind, or suffering from ill health. The oldest elephant onsite is 75 years old!


    Typical day

    Your exact working hours are discussed when you start at the project, but you will normally be able to contribute for 6 days a week with the wildlife, for between 6 and 7 hours. Your lunch break will vary but you'll be able to share it about midday with the other volunteers. There is a variety of ...

    Typical day

    Your exact working hours are discussed when you start at the project, but you will normally be able to contribute for 6 days a week with the wildlife, for between 6 and 7 hours. Your lunch break will vary but you'll be able to share it about midday with the other volunteers. There is a variety of different things you may be involved with on a daily basis. Your input is massively appreciated, as, without volunteers, there are a number of roles that would be hard to complete for the team on their own. This includes:


    • Monitoring/Reporting
    • Food Prep/Delivery
    • Maintenance
    • Cleaning and Prep
    • Assisting Existing Team


    Free-time activities

    Thailand is known for its incredible scenery and things to do, which is why it's one of the most popular countries in the world with backpackers. Local to the project, you have a few small shops in the local town, but lots of natural beauty to explore nearby. The next town in 30 minutes by car. ..

    Free-time activities

    Thailand is known for its incredible scenery and things to do, which is why it's one of the most popular countries in the world with backpackers. Local to the project, you have a few small shops in the local town, but lots of natural beauty to explore nearby. The next town in 30 minutes by car. There you can stroll through the night market and buy something for your family and friends. If you are adventurous, you can even swim in the nearby river. For the participants who prefer a quieter place, there is the possibility to relax in a spa with pool near the job site. There is something for everyone, from temples to snorkelling, you'll find loads of things to keep you active.


    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

    Required Documents

    CV, letter of motivation, criminal background check and visa document

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    No relevant background or experience with animals is required, however it is essential that our applicants have a passion for working with animals.

    Time Commitment

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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Rainbow Garden Village

    What's Included

    • Organization of the entire stay including placement in the project
    • Non-binding flight consultation
    • Individual advice from the RGV team in Munich
    • Support with travel preparations (vaccinations, insurance, safety)
    • Extensive RGV Travel-ABC for your travel preparation
    • RGV T-Shirt
    • Personal contact person in your project
    • Introduction by the RGV team on site
    • Three meals a day
    • Accommodation at the project side
    • 24/h emergency number
    • Certificate of participation/ internship
    • Introductory course in personal development

    Accommodation

    You'll live in a bungalow with one or two other participants. At the main house, there is a large terrace with a table where you can eat and spend time with the other volunteers. It's also a great place to rest up, or even catch a bit of sun! In the main house there is also a kitchen, where your lunch and dinner are cooked. For your breakfast, there are various foods available. Once a week, the cleaning staff will come to change your bedding and clean the bungalow. There are plenty of power outlets in the bedrooms and you can use the Wi-Fi in the elephant kitchen. To make it easier for you to explore the dream beaches, it is possible to buy or rent a scooter near the location and get to know the area.

    Food & Beverages

    You'll eat in a similar way to the locals and the local cuisine, so expect to get to know new foods and delicacies! You're provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet style throughout the work week, and there's also a communal kitchen available if you ever fancy a little nibble! If you do have any dietary requirements, please let us know about them as far in advance as possible, and we will do our best to accommodate them, or we will inform you if the local area can't.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. 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

    Before you even depart, our team in Munich will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the programme, through to advising you where to go for your visa. We are here to help you and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable (and prepared!) before departing.

    You can fly into one of the two international airports in Bangkok. For the Wildlife Conservation Project or Elephant Animal Shelter Project, you can be picked up by a member of the team in Bangkok (for an additional fee). The project takes arrivals every Sunday. The taxi ride then takes about three hours. You can also travel there independently if you wish. You will receive a detailed handout in which you will find helpful details on how to get there by bus.

    As soon as you arrive at the centre, you will be welcomed by the local team. The team will show you your accommodation as well as introduce you to the house rules, your work, local health facilities and safety rules. You will receive a comprehensive tour of the area, an introduction to the tasks involved, and get to know your co-workers on site. You will receive background information about the site and find out how to get involved in animal welfare in Asia.

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

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,300€
    4 weeks 1,850€
    6 weeks 2,400€
    8 weeks 2,950€
    10 weeks 3,500€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,050€
    Average fees 493€/week

    Program fees

    493€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 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 Rainbow Garden Village during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Rainbow Garden Village

    Great 4.4 rating (25 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1999

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Steffen

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish, German

    About the project

    Rainbow Garden Village specialises in worldwide volunteer placements and has been sending volunteers on impactful, life-changing trips since 1999.

    Meet your organization

    From Africa to Asia and Europe to Latin America and Oceania - through volunteering or internships our participants gain unique impressions and experiences abroad. Rainbow Garden Village (RGV) offers sustainable projects in more than 30 countries worldwide in various fields, such as social work, teaching, animal welfare, environmental protection, medicine, etc..

    While our participants are engaged in their project, they broaden their horizons and become more open-minded. They strengthen their personal skills, grow from the challenges in their volunteer projects and also improve their language skills. Countless new impressions, experiences and special moments round off the stay abroad - and lead to a return with many exciting stories in the luggage!


    25 reviews · rating4.4

    Melanie P. rating5

    2018 at Elephant Conservation Worker

    I spent 5 weeks at the elephant conservation project in Thailand from mid-October 2018 to mid-November 2018. The wildlife project houses a total of 25 elephants, including one male, that several dozen people take care of every day. This includes preparing food/cutting fruit, preparing enrichments, ...
    Lara N rating5

    2024 at Kindergarten in Crete

    I am sharing my incredible experience with volunteer world. The program gave me the opportunity to volunteer in greece, meet other volunteers from other countries, to gain work related knowledge, & to experience the lifestyle in the beautiful island of crete. The program was very organized from the ...
    Katharina Höfner rating5

    2024 at Veterinary Clinic Assistant

    Ich habe mich während meines Aufenthalts absolut wohl gefühlt! Da ich schon Vorkenntnisse durch meinen Beruf als TFA hatte, konnte ich mich sehr gut einbringen und durfte super viel helfen! Das Team hat mich herzlich aufgenommen und mir Vertrauen geschenkt. Ich bin sehr dankbar, dass ich diese ...
    Eliot Jacquemin rating3.8

    2024 at Penguin Sanctuary

    J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce projet. L'organisation fut globalement assez bonne, je n'ai pas eu de soucis. J'ai appris énormément de choses sur les pingouins et les défis qu'ils doivent combattre au quotidien, c'était très inspirant. ..
    lena Illenseher rating2.4

    2024 at Support a Horse Riding Academy in Crete

    Zuerst das Positive: Der Stall an dem ich gearbeitet habe ist sehr gut gepflegt und man hat sich wohl gefühlt. RGV hat sich bemüht, Probleme der Teilnehmer wahrzunehmen, in dem es wöchentliche Meetings gab. Das Apartment liegt nah am Strand. Es wurden Ausflüge angeboten (kostenpflichtig) Der ...
    Swenja G rating5

    2023 at Street Children

    Now I would like to tell you about my time in Ghana: I lived in Accra for 6 weeks and worked in the street children project there. In the time before my departure, I mainly took care of my health care (vaccinations and tablets against tropical diseases) and read the pages about the country, culture, ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Phetchaburi

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    Contact Steffen
      Good response rate
    English, Spanish, German

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