Support the local community in reintroducing elephants to protected forests
Program Overview
Explore the awe-inspiring mountainous forests of Northern Thailand where you will work with traditional communities as they work to protect the Asian elephant population. Here you will have the opportunity to get lots of hands-on experience with one of the most beautiful creatures in the world.
While on the program you will witness a truly special bond between a community and a group of elephants that are in the process of being reintroduced to their natural environment. These elephants have previously undergone the upsetting realities of circus work or street-begging, so your job is paramount in their release.
Throughout the course of your program you will learn a great deal about how the elephants behave since your work and accommodation are one-in-the-same with the elephant experts, allowing you to also share your language and cultural background with them. Teaching English to the local community members will in fact assist them and their families by giving them a step up in acquiring additional jobs to support their life in the forest.
Life on the Program
While on the program your focuses will be split between observing the herd as they meander through the forests finding food and researching your elephant back at base, as well as helping the community with area tasks. Field Staff will pair you with an elephant and a keeper (mahout), so these activities will prepare you to work effectively together.
While the days will be long, the experience is remarkable as you learn about and work with these beautiful animals. You will gain insight into elephant behavior, personality and health while you help this program grow and ensure the elephants have a safe, healthy habitat for the rest of their life.
Accommodation is located within a traditional community with basic amenities so please be prepared to adapt to, and show respect for the environment you will share with other locals.
Program Details
This program was initiated by a group of elephant keepers who were intent on conserving the local Asian elephant, whose total population is quickly declining. There are currently less than 1,000 wild elephants in Thailand with 3,000 in captivity. Many heads are turning to the captive population, regarding them as the future of the species.
The monetary and physical contribution you provide is vital in continuing this program as it reintroduces captive elephants to their natural habitat and protects natural forests.
Ultimately, program experts foresee establishing a semi-wild population whereby herds are supervised by their mahouts, thus able to receive the best veterinary care possible.
Volunteer Testimonials
Arriving at Huay Pakoot , the remote Karen hilltribe village that was to be home for me for one week in January 2011, was so exciting. Set amongst breathtaking mountainous landscape, the village...
Arriving at Huay Pakoot , the remote Karen hilltribe village that was to be home for me for one week in January 2011, was so exciting. Set amongst breathtaking mountainous landscape, the village is so quaint and picturesque, with wooden houses built on stilts – to keep out the buffalo, pigs and chickens that roam the streets! The basic facilities took us back to a simple life, everything was clean and comfortable and we soon came to really enjoy our bucket showers – best taken in the heat of the afternoon!
Our first encounter with the elephants was magical. We had so much hands-on time in the field feeding, observing, collecting data and even measuring them! To watch their interaction and witness their amazing bonds with the mahouts was really special. My elephant was Thong Dee, the oldest and largest of the five and she was beautiful - a face full of such character that told many stories of her hard life before the project. The two infants were so playful, it was hilarious to watch their cheeky antics wandering through the forests. Knowing we were contributing, even in a small way, towards improving the lives of these amazing creatures was so satisfying.
I highly recommend GVI, it’s such an ethical, compassionate, professional organisation and I knew I was in good hands from my initial enquiry. GVI’s staff are very passionate and that is infectious. The Thailand Elephant Project was so well run and I loved contributing to such an important cause.
The first thing I noticed was the stunning scenery which surrounded the hill tribe village we stayed at. Here the Karen people were extremely friendly and our host family made us feel very welcome. The highlight of the trip though was taking a short trek into the jungle and being able to witness the elephants roaming free in their natural habitat, overall it was a great experience and definitely something I would do again.
I have had the opportunity to observe and work closely with these social and complex animals, which would be impossible with elephants in the wild. Staying in a traditional Karen community has been a million miles away from life in England. I have been made to feel really welcome here and I feel privileged to be part of a project that is helping both the elephants and the community in which they live.
Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Required transportation for the duration of your stay
- Comprehensive training program that encompasses theory lectures, group study and field practice.
- Basic field kit
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
