Elephant Refuge Thailand

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Cha-am

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Any, 365 days a year

Description: Globalteer is a registered charity in the UK providing ethical and affordable volunteering with the amazing elephants of Thailand.

The elephant project gives a safe sanctuary to Thailand's domesticated elephants. These animals would otherwise be roaming the streets of big cities, be kept in bad conditions at working elephant camps or be otherwise exploited in the tourist industry. Volunteers provide hands on assistance to the professional Mahouts (elephant keepers) to ensure these beautiful animals live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives. The elephants spend their nights in the forests that their ancestors populated only 25 years before. Volunteers bath and wash the elephants daily, walk them through the forests to forage, clean their enclosure and learn all about these magnificent animals.

Volunteers work a 6 day week. You will work closely with the Mahouts who always accompany the elephants. A typical day includes:

- Early morning walk to collect the elephants from their night location in the forest
- Bathing and swimming with the elephants in the lake or river
- Walk the elephants into the forest to forage
- Collecting fruits for their big appetites
- Cleaning their enclosure at the centre
- Washing the elephants with hose pipes
- Learning all about these gentle giants

The project is located 2 to 3 hours south of Bangkok near a small village. The centre is next to a lake, surrounded by dense forest and near some of Thailand's least visited National Parks. Less than an hour away are the beach resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin where the volunteers go for shopping, days off and nights out. The local village has fast internet access, shops and bars but has no tourists so is a real insight into the Thai way of life. Volunteers can arrange camping trips into the remote National Parks or go on night safaris to spot Thailand's wild animals.

There are currently 4 adult female elephants at the centre although hopefully this number will increase as more and more elephants can be saved.
All the elephants originate from Surin and have previously been used as "begging" elephants in various cities or working at elephant camps in tourist resorts.

Nong Bo
Age                  28 years old
Recognition    Tallest and slimmest of the elephants, has hole in her right ear.
Character       Young and high spirited, can move very fast.
                        When bathing in the lake she is very playful and likes to roll.

Tia
Age                45 years old
Recognition    Smallest elephant. Most pigmentation loss, has hole in her trunk
Character       Loves water and loves to swim and roll in the lake.
                         Doesn't like dogs, and can be aggressive towards them.

Kjaew Ta      means "glass eye"
Age                45 years old
Recognition    Blind in left eye. Small elephant, least hairy and lightest colour.
Character       Generally has a good temperament and rocks back and forth
                         when approached (if she likes you). Likes to rub against trees
                         and be first in line when walking.

Nam Phon      means "Rainwater"
Age                40 years old
Recognition    Hairy tail and head. Two pink spots on her tail and rear, and
                         pink on the top of her trunk.
Character       Very good natured and friendly. Quiet, gentle and sensitive.
                        Slow when walking and least eager to go deep into the lake.
                        Most gentle when hand feeding.

Highlights: Bathing the elephants in the lake and walking through the forest with these magnificent animals is an unforgettable experience. Going on a night safari into the nearby national park to see Thailand's wild elephants is a unique highlight of the programme.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 18 or older and be able to speak English

Cost in US$: From $630

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteering is an amazing way to gain an insight into the culture of a country. Once you volunteer you are no longer just another tourist, you will work intimately with the local staff and more importantly give a special gift to the project and community you visit. Volunteering is for those who have an interest in other cultures and want to help those less fortunate than themselves. Also to meet like minded people, adventurous, open minded and with a willingness to make a difference.

Age Range: 18 to 70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Globalteer's Mission Statement: Globalteer is a UK registered charity that serves to help those in need. We aim to provide support to communities and projects in need, to raise awareness in developed countries of the plight faced by poverty stricken countries, and to educate locals and volunteers about environmental issues and the need to protect wildlife. We promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public through the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and disadvantaged communities. We also promote humane behavior towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage; and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.

Year Founded: 2006