Thai Elephant Sanctuary

Each day may include a mix of feeding, cleaning, enrichment preparation, harvesting food, maintenance and general sanctuary tasks.

You may help prepare food, clean elephant areas, support enrichment activities, assist with grounds work, and help the team keep shared areas running smoothly. Daily tasks can change depending on elephant needs, weather, staff priorities and sanctuary operations.

The work is practical, physical and often repetitive, but it directly supports the elephants’ daily care.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to speak a good level of English.

You should be in good physical and mental health, able to tolerate hot and humid conditions, and willing to take part in practical outdoor work.

A positive, flexible and practical attitude toward animal welfare and wildlife conservation is essential.

Volunteering at the elephant sanctuary can be hard and physically demanding. You may be working in heat, humidity, rain, mud and changing outdoor conditions.

Tasks such as cleaning enclosures, harvesting food, carrying supplies and general maintenance can be tiring, but they are an important part of keeping the elephants healthy and well cared for.

This is not an entertainment experience. The reward comes from seeing rescued elephants benefit from care, space, enrichment and a more respectful way of life.

Placements usually run Sunday to Sunday, year-round.

Please check availability before booking, as some times of year are more popular and spaces may fill in advance.

The minimum placement is 1 week.

Longer stays are welcome, subject to availability. The maximum booking length at one time is usually 12 weeks, with possible extensions on site depending on availability.

Volunteers usually work as part of the daily sanctuary routine.

Your roster may include feeding, cleaning, enrichment preparation, food harvesting, maintenance and support tasks around the centre. Daily schedules may change depending on weather, elephant needs, volunteer numbers and staff priorities.

Volunteer accommodation is included in the project fee.

Accommodation is simple and shared, suited to the working sanctuary environment. Please come prepared for basic facilities, shared living and rural conditions.

Room upgrades may be available, but places are limited, so you’ll need to request one early. The upgrade also includes a day at the Love Elephants Centre, giving you an additional opportunity to learn about ethical elephant care during your time in Thailand.

Three meals per day are included.

Meals are generally simple and local. Please advise dietary requirements before travel so the team can confirm what can be accommodated.

This project does not include elephant riding, tricks or entertainment-based activities.

The sanctuary provides refuge for elephants rescued from industries such as trekking, logging and street begging. The focus is on care, enrichment, space and welfare, with elephants living in forested enclosures where they can roam more naturally.

Volunteers are here to support the elephants’ daily care — not to control, perform with or treat them as attractions.