Description

You will help care for these beautiful creatures whilst working alongside professional mahouts (elephant keepers). The centre gives refuge to domesticated elephants that have been used for begging on the streets of Bangkok and other cities. There are currently 5 elephants that live at the centre.

Each day will differ but volunteer tasks include:

* Feeding and giving water to the elephants
* Cleaning the elephant enclosure
* Hosing down and cleaning the elephants
* Going out approximately twice a week to harvest and collect food for the elephants from local farms - pineapples, bananas etc.

Whilst working with the elephants you will be supervised by experienced mahouts (elephant handlers).

Elephant volunteers also look after some other domesticated animals such as 'Sam', a rescued beach pony.

Highlights

* Work hands on with elephants
* Based in a large wildlife rescue centre, with over 300 rescued animals
* Can be combined with wildlife rescue project

By volunteering at the centre you will make a major contribution to elephant welfare in Thailand.

The centre would not be able to run without the hard work of the volunteers and their financial support; the majority of the project fee goes directly to the centre. It is through the volunteer fees that the centre is able to provide an alternative life for the elephants (and the mahouts).

On a personal level you will have a unique opportunity to work alongside some incredible creatures and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a difference to their lives.

Qualifications

You do not need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer on this project.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1 week: GBP 499, 2 weeks: GBP 699, 3 weeks: GBP 899

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Accommodation (a basic shared room)
* All main meals
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Environment
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-10

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement

PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.

Year Founded

2001