Family elephant refuge volunteering in Thailand
Description of Family elephant refuge volunteering in Thailand
Take your family off the beaten holiday track and into the heart of an elephant lover's paradise. Volunteer with elephants in a refuge dedicated to rescuing elephants from a lifetime of abuse.
The refuge provides a home to over 20 elephants. You and your family will be helping to prepare food for the ellies, as well as feeding them, bathing them and walking them through the forests. This is a hands on project and because of the nature of the work, it can be physically demanding. Because of this, and the size of these gentle giants, we ask that children are a minimum of 14.
You will live in the heart of a wildlife lovers' paradise, in the grounds of a larger wildlife sanctuary home to about 700 animals including sun bears, monkeys, gibbons, macaques and more. This sanctuary backs on to the elephant refuge so everything is on site. Accommodation is basic yet comfortable, with en-suite western toilets and showers warmed by the sun.
Three meals per day are provided, covering delicious Thai staples as well as western alternatives. All diets can be catered for, and much of the fare is vegetarian.
The sanctuary is within walking distance of a small local community, and there is a large national park nearby. The beach is just a 20 minute drive away, so you and your family can all enjoy a relaxing day by the sea during your days off.
This is an amazing opportunity for both adults and teenagers alike to get stuck into some conservation volunteering work and to really become part of a moving rescue mission. Not only will you make a genuine contribution, you will come home with memories for life.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival day is a Sunday. You will be collected from Bangkok airport (BKK) and driven to the refuge, a 3 hour drive south. |
| Day 2: | You will receive a full induction and tour- and get fully stuck in to the project! Expect to get mucky! |
| Day 7/14: | Departure is a Sunday. Return to the airport or head on for further family travels |
Price information
Children: 1 week £870, 2 weeks £1120.
Includes airport pick up, accommodation, three meals per day.
Children must be 14 or over to work with the elephants.
Departure information
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Reviews
1 Reviews of Family elephant refuge volunteering in Thailand
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2017 by Massimo Marolo
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning about elephant conservation efforts and being part of a uniquely pristine natural environment
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready to leave behind creature comforts from home and disconnect
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
wonderful.
Responsible Travel
Planet
Animal welfareThe sanctuary is committed to conserving, saving, protecting and, where possible, rehabilitating the animals. The centre will rescue any animal that is being neglected or maltreated, providing it with a large and comfortable enclosure, constructed as closely as possible to reflect the natural conditions these animals would be living in.
Protecting the world
We are passionate about encouraging our travellers to be kind to the environment as they travel. Each participant receives advice about how to care for the environment whilst they are away. This includes water usage, how to avoid single use plastic and electricity usage.
We insist that all participants bring their own water bottles when they travel with us, and clean free water is always available. We have even created a water bottle that can be purchased before departure and encourage people to use it at all stages of their journey including at the airport, on flights and whilst on their project. We are striving for all of our projects to be free of single use plastic.
People
Meeting local needsVolunteers live and work as a member of the local community. This is a small community, located off the traditionally trodden tourist trails, and so bringing volunteers to this area really benefits the local population. Food is bought from local markets and restaurants, trips are all sourced locally and local transport is used when needed.
Campaigning for change
This project works to change the future for animals who have been subjected to harm and mistreatment. The aim is simple: to provide a home for mistreated animals in an environment as close to nature as possible. A programme actively runs to rescue, rehabilitate and release captive wild animals with this hope to repopulate Thailand's forests and jungles. Campaigns are regularly launched against all forms of animal abuse and exploitation in Thailand. An education programme runs for locals, children and visiting tourists to make them aware of the importance of animal welfare.
Cultural sensitivity
We emphasise the importance of showing respect for local people and their customs in our briefing material. Participants will work alongside permanent staff, forming close bonds and getting an insight into real life in rural Thailand.
All of our participants receive comprehensive pre-departure documentation. This covers topics on how to be culturally sensitive, how to best look after the environment when in the country and how to stay safe as well as up to date information on the political situation.
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