You will help care for these beautiful creatures, working alongside professional mahouts (elephant keepers). The Centre gives refuge to domesticated elephants that have been roaming the streets of Bangkok and other cities.

About the Centre and the elephants

The aim of the Centre is to give refuge to domestic elephants in an environment as close to nature as possible. The elephants are housed at night in large enclosures without having to be being chained up. During the day the elephants roam the bordering forest, accompanied by mahouts and volunteers, to forage from natural resources. There are currently five elephants who live at the Centre with their mahouts.

The Centre forms part of the larger Wildlife Rescue Centre where we also have volunteer placements. It is based on temple grounds near Thayang in the South of Thailand, about 100 miles South of Bangkok and about 15 miles from the beaches of Cha Am and Hua Hin.

A typical week

Volunteers duties include (accompanied by experienced mahouts at all times):

• Going to the forest at 6.30am to collect the elephants and walk them back to the centre
• Feeding the elephants
  
• Cleaning up the elephant enclosure
• Hosing down and cleaning the elephants
• Bathing the elephants
• Taking the elephants back to the forest around 2.30pm for the night
• Going out several times a week to pick bananas and pineapples.
  

Tasks are given to all volunteers on a rotation basis so everyone gets to work on all different parts of the project. Volunteers work a six day week.

Lifestyle

Including wildlife rescue volunteers, there will usually be at least 10 volunteers at the Centre at one time and you will all live in shared rooms on-site. After work you can relax at the Centre, socialising with other volunteers - or you can walk 5 minutes into the small town where you can check emails, get laundry done and meet some of the locals. Volunteers also regularly club together and organise a taxi for an evening trip to Hua Hin to enjoy the entertainment in this bigger town. On days off you are free to explore the local area or visit the excellent beaches which are about 15 miles away.

What our volunteers say

"I had an amazing time! Thank you so much! The centre is amazing, and is situated on such a beautiful location. The elephants were so much fun to work with, its so good to see animals that have had such a bad time finally be happy. The mahouts were lovely and everyone was really welcoming. I am definitely looking to return next year. It was better than I imagined and I can't stop talking about it. Thank you for all your help before the trip, everything you advised me was spot on!" - Nina

For more views from past volunteers please see our testimonials.

What's included

• A comprehensive information booklet
• Travel advice and assistance
• Accommodation (a simple shared room)
• All main meals
• Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team.

What's not included

Flights to Bangkok (£400-£500), travel insurance, general living costs (£50 per week). PoD can arrange travel insurance if required.

A taxi from Bangkok airport or your hotel can be arranged to take you directly to the Centre for approx £35.

The benefit and requirements

By volunteering at the Centre you will make a major contribution to elephants in Thailand. Your time and efforts will help to care for the elephants, and the majority of the programme cost (approx 80%) will go direct to the Centre providing a critical source of funding for their future work.

No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to get involved. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Next steps and how to apply

Please contact us if you would like to discuss the placement, or go to the how to apply section where you can apply online or download an application form.