Forest Elephant Sanctuary

location
1 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Meet our incredible resident animals and witness firsthand how your project fee directly supports elephants
  • Join a community of like-minded individuals and experience a fulfilling and enjoyable journey, with the well-being of animals as our top priority
  • Engage in meaningful activities focused on caring for elephants and making a positive impact

Highlights

  • Meet our incredible resident animals and witness firsthand how your project fee directly supports elephants
  • Join a community of like-minded individuals and experience a fulfilling and enjoyable journey, with the well-being of animals as our top priority
  • Engage in meaningful activities focused on caring for elephants and making a positive impact
  • Embrace a rewarding working holiday as you contribute to the well-being of these magnificent creatures who rely on our support
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Thailand, savor delicious cuisine, and connect with friendly locals, creating unforgettable memories


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    The Elephant Sanctuary enables volunteers to make a tangible difference amid a backdrop of beauty, wonder and exploration

    The Project

    The Forest Thailand Elephant Sanctuary enables volunteers to make a tangible difference amid a backdrop of beauty, wonder and exploration. By assisting the conservation team and fellow volunteers, this project enables displaced and abused elephants to integrate back into their natural ...

    About the program

    The Project

    The Forest Thailand Elephant Sanctuary enables volunteers to make a tangible difference amid a backdrop of beauty, wonder and exploration. By assisting the conservation team and fellow volunteers, this project enables displaced and abused elephants to integrate back into their natural habitat. This life-changing experience will see you provide sanctuary for one of the world’s most endangered species alongside various buffalo, birds, cats and dogs that require rescuing. Here are a means of gaining a greater cultural appreciation within Asia whilst contributing to one of the great moral causes of our time.

    The Sanctuary is located 60km north of Chiang Mai. Complete with comfortable accommodation, fantastic local cuisine and friendly company, you will be situated in the heart of Thailand’s thriving wildlife.

    The Location

    Thailand is widely considered to be Southeast Asia’s ultimate tropical paradise. Mixing modern architecture with ancient cultural landscapes and traditions, this luxurious part of the world continues to be one of the true tourist hotspots all year round. 

    Chiang Mai is the largest city in the North and offers a range of sites and activities for explorers young and old. Rich with fragrances, local delicacies, gardens, ruins and museums, the 14 million annual visitors are treated to an array of splendour amid the revitalised Mae Ping River. 

    Your Contribution

    • Feed and bathe elephants
    • Clearing elephant droppings
    • General elephant care
    • Cleaning and preparing elephant food
    • Constructing and maintaining mud pits
    • Helping local villages
    • Caring for dogs and other pets
    • Assisting staff with mahouts while undertaking various educational tasks with park staff
    Volunteers will work parallel with our expert conservation team and fellow volunteers. From agricultural activities to community care and general maintenance and sustainability endeavours, your Chiang Mai experience will be a daily education through various hands-on tasks. Volunteers will be working closely with the elephants.

    Conditions Onsite

    Volunteers will work closely with elephants. 

    Be wary that you will need rain gear between June to October and warm weather clothing between November and February. 

    Please bring the following if you are able: Overnight bag with change of clothes for several days, hat, sunscreen, sandals/flip-flops, clothing for river bathing (not bikinis due to the Buddist culture, towel, shoes for walking, camera, bug repellent, flashlight, gardening gloves, short wellies or similar in wet season (Student Vets only - Coursework materials).

    Thailand has rich, biological diversity. However, sadly increasingly, human pressures such as overexploitation, habitat loss and habitat degradation, are pushing many of Thailand creatures to the brink of extinction. In Thailand, as in every country in the world, animals are abused and exploited for profit and human gratification. There are many examples of animal exploitation for the tourist industry, such as animals performing in degrading shows and elephant riding camps. There is also a thriving illegal trade in wild animals for pets.  O2E ask that volunteers do not engage in activities that involve animal exploitation.  

    Please Note 

    The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.


    Typical day

    After breakfast at 7am, you will prepare the elephants food before giving it to the animals. Volunteers can witness the herd bathe together in the river amid the surrounds of their natural habitat. You will participate in any number of activities, from assisting with the bathing site to cutting food ...

    Typical day

    After breakfast at 7am, you will prepare the elephants food before giving it to the animals. Volunteers can witness the herd bathe together in the river amid the surrounds of their natural habitat. You will participate in any number of activities, from assisting with the bathing site to cutting food and plantations to general maintenance tasks. No two days will be the same as volunteers gain an appreciation and a greater understanding of the animals and the challenges they face in Thailand. Dinner is served at 6pm as the day ends.

    Free-time activities

    Free time is provided before and after lunch and dinner. This personal time can be spent socialising, getting a Thai massage, walking dogs, river tubing, etc. Or more simply, watching elephants wander freely on the property. A village with a small convenience store and a food market is located just ...

    Free-time activities

    Free time is provided before and after lunch and dinner. This personal time can be spent socialising, getting a Thai massage, walking dogs, river tubing, etc. Or more simply, watching elephants wander freely on the property. A village with a small convenience store and a food market is located just outside the front gate. 

    It is very simple to arrange your own activities and travel. If you are staying on after your placement, your only problem will be deciding how much you can fit into your time. We recommend waiting until you arrive before trying to arrange trips or activities as there is so much choice and everything will be cheaper than arranging it from home.


    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 (fluently)

    Required Documents

    Proof of travel Insurance docs

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Volunteers must be fluent in English, be willing to work and must be able to take direction staff. Ability to work well and integrate within a team environment. Social network skills is a major advantage.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 - 05:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers


    What's included in this project?

    • Pre-departure support
    • Project Information Pack
    • Project Orientation held 
    • Accommodation
    • Food
    • Training
    • Field coordinator
    • Return transport from Chiang Mai accommodation or our office
    • International phone calls in case of emergency
    • Certificate of Participation, if requested
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • 24-hour O2E emergency phone
    What's not included in this project?

    • Flights
    • Snacks
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal spending
    • Visa/Passport
    • Bangkok transfer 

    Airport Pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport

    Make your way to Chiang Mai, Thailand. From there we can arrange your complimentary transfer from your Chiang Mai hotel to the sanctuary or you can come to our office in Chiang Mai on the morning of your placement.

    Accommodation

    You will be living on site in comfortable accommodation sharing with at least two other volunteers. Here you will fall asleep to the sounds of elephants calling. WiFi and phone service are also available with an operating laundry that charges a small fee per kg.

    Food & Beverages

    The food is excellent, with a large buffet style lunch and dinner with many different dishes to choose from. Vegan and vegetarian food is always available, and all dietary restrictions are catered to. There are three meals per day with a mix of delicious Thai cuisine.

    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

    You can start every Monday, all through the year. The program is available up to 2 weeks for volunteers and up to 4 weeks for student vets.

    You fly, bus or train into Chiang Mai city the day before (normally Sunday) before you start your position. Monday morning around 09:00am we will pick you up from your accommodation or you may make your own way to the office in Chiang Mai.

    Anyone over 18 can volunteer for up to 2 weeks ( for student vets) initially. If you are interested in staying longer, you can put in a request for a long stay and the project makes a decision after your first 2 weeks. This is to ensure only the highest caliber of hard working volunteers.




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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 898€
    2 weeks (max. stay) 1,696€
    Average fees 873€/week

    Program fees

    873€ 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 Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (211 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2011

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Tracy

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is a non-profit organisation that was founded for the purpose of providing resources and financial assistance to animal welfare and conservation

    Meet your organization

    The O2E Founders are animal lovers and committed volunteers. They founded and established the organisation in Melbourne, Australia, having seen firsthand that volunteer recruitment agencies were not always aware if the projects they supported had the best interests of animals and environment in mind. Instead, unethical and harmful behaviour including elephant riding, unsustainable tree nursery projects and the consumption of scarce community resources by the presence of volunteers were often the result. Local wildlife communities and the animals’ environments were also clearly disadvantaged. For this reason, we created our Oceans 2 Earth Ethical Standards and the Wildlife Code and measure all potential projects by these policies prior to partnering with them.

    Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers offers volunteering and adventure travel experiences for ethically minded animal and conservation lovers looking for the trip of a lifetime.

    In creating Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, the O2E founders challenge and engage individuals to contribute to meaningful animal welfare and conservation projects. As wildlife carers and avid animal welfare and rights campaigners, they uphold a vision to promote ethical volunteering as an advisable travel alternative.

    We believe the way to solve the issues of animal mistreatment and environmental destruction and degradation is to provide people with the opportunity to contribute and interact so that they may develop their own personal culture of responsibility and global conservation. People exposed first hand to challenging bio diverse environmental issues are more likely to draw on those experiences and continue to make a positive impact once they arrive home. 

    Oceans 2 Earth recognise that individuals really can make a difference. However small the work effort is from one person, if you combine the actions of many people as a whole, the result can become quite significant. By bringing like-minded and ethically conscious animal lovers together, Oceans 2 Earth believe that there is no limit to what we can achieve. 

    Our Mission

    Promote environmental sustainability and to be accountable for our impact on the environment.

    Take action and find solutions to improve the natural, bio-diverse way of life for all. Promote the ethical treatment and natural living ecology of all animals.

    Expose and educate volunteers to the plight of animals ill-affected by conflict or interaction with man, encouraging them to take action and find solutions to these global issues. 

    211 reviews · rating4.9

    Caroline Himmelman rating5

    2024 at Forest Elephant Sanctuary

    I spent an amazing week at this program. It is definitely the most ethical of all the elephant sanctuaries and their kindness and compassion for their many rescued animals is second to none. I learned so much about Asian elephants as well as Thai culture. I felt extremely lucky to have had the ...
    kate minchin rating5

    2023 at Forest Elephant Sanctuary

    I ventured by myself on this trip and found it very rewarding. I was part of a group of 20 people where we worked together on many various tasks from carting watermelons, to cutting bananas or grass to visiting a school for the day. We had lots of time to also explore the park or walk a dog or ...
    Susanne Everding rating4.4

    2023 at Forest Elephant Sanctuary

    The best animal welfare project I have ever experienced - everything was just great! Highly recommended!! The founder LEK is an incredible woman who achieved unbelievable changes for ...
    Oceans 2 Earth is a great organization for anyone looking to volunteer and have some fun while doing it. The program is very well organized and it is clear how you are making an impact. Helen, Amy, and Tim are all great group leaders. You are able to see all sorts of different marine life while ...
    Amylyn Mortimer rating5

    2024 at Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation

    Helen, Amy and Timmy were awesome! I learned a lot and enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with the members of our group. Fitzroy and Green island are absolutely beautiful. There’s a lot of down time in the afternoon to freely snorkel or walk around the islands. They were very inclusive of my ...
    Charlotte Pierce rating5

    2024 at Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation

    O2E has been great. O2E has been such a great experience, all the staff were so friendly and helpful. I loved learning about how we can observe and conserve the ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Chiang Mai

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