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City/State: Petchaburi province |
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Country: THAILAND
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Program description: |
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Globalteer is a registered charity in the UK providing ethical and affordable volunteering with the amazing elephants of Thailand. The elephant project gives a safe sanctuary to Thailand's domesticated elephants. These animals would otherwise be roaming the streets of big cities, be kept in bad conditions at working elephant camps or be otherwise exploited in the tourist industry. Volunteers provide hands on assistance to the professional Mahouts (elephant keepers) to ensure these beautiful animals live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives. The elephants spend their nights in the forests that their ancestors populated only 25 years before. Volunteers bath and wash the elephants daily, walk them through the forests to forage, clean their enclosure and learn all about these magnificent animals.
Volunteers work a 6 day week. You will work closely with the Mahouts who always accompany the elephants. A typical day includes:
- Early morning walk to collect the elephants from their night location in the forest
- Bathing and swimming with the elephants in the lake or river
- Riding the elephants into the forest to forage
- Collecting fruits for their big appetites
- Cleaning their enclosure at the centre
- Washing the elephants with hose pipes
- Learning all about these gentle giants
The project is located 2 to 3 hours south of Bangkok near a small village. The centre is next to a lake, surrounded by dense forest and near some of Thailand's least visited National Parks. Less than an hour away are the beach resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin where the volunteers go for shopping, days off and nights out. The local village has fast internet access, shops and bars but has no tourists so is a real insight into the Thai way of life. Volunteers can arrange camping trips into the remote National Parks or go on night safaris to spot Thailand's wild animals.
There are currently 4 adult female elephants at the centre although hopefully this number will increase as more and more elephants can be saved.
All the elephants originate from Surin and have previously been used as "begging" elephants in various cities or working at elephant camps in tourist resorts.
Nong Bo
Age 28 years old
Recognition Tallest and slimmest of the elephants, has hole in her right ear.
Character Young and high spirited, can move very fast.
When bathing in the lake she is very playful and likes to roll.
Tia
Age 45 years old
Recognition Smallest elephant. Most pigmentation loss, has hole in her trunk
Character Loves water and loves to swim and roll in the lake.
Doesn't like dogs, and can be aggressive towards them.
Kjaew Ta means "glass eye"
Age 45 years old
Recognition Blind in left eye. Small elephant, least hairy and lightest colour.
Character Generally has a good temperament and rocks back and forth
when approached (if she likes you). Likes to rub against trees
and be first in line when walking.
Nam Phon means "Rainwater"
Age 40 years old
Recognition Hairy tail and head. Two pink spots on her tail and rear, and
pink on the top of her trunk.
Character Very good natured and friendly. Quiet, gentle and sensitive.
Slow when walking and least eager to go deep into the lake.
Most gentle when hand feeding.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 18 to 70
Travel to site: Independent Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 4
Living arrangements on the program: Group living
How long does the program last?: Various Durations
What are the dates of this program: Any, 365 days a year
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Bathing the elephants in the lake and walking through the forest with these magnificent animals is an unforgettable experience. Going on a night safari into the nearby national park to see Thailand's wild elephants is a unique highlight of the programme.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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From £287
Includes free night safari into the rainforest to see Thailands wild elephants for those committing to two weeks or more.
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Typical person for this program: |
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The majority of volunteers do so alone, and then meet up with existing volunteers at the project. The majority of volunteers come from the UK, USA and Australia with significant numbers from Canada, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand. Although volunteers are welcome from any nationality.
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Qualifications required: |
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No qualifications are required for this project
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