Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Elephant Care and Conservation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.
  • Provide a nurturing environment for the elephants, tailored to their specific needs based on age and health.
  • Plant, water, and maintain the elephant food area by growing grass, vegetables, bananas, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, or other plants that elephants enjoy.

Highlights

  • Play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.
  • Provide a nurturing environment for the elephants, tailored to their specific needs based on age and health.
  • Plant, water, and maintain the elephant food area by growing grass, vegetables, bananas, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, or other plants that elephants enjoy.
  • Prepare food for the elephants or assist in purchasing items from the market.
  • Stay close to the beautiful beach in Koh Samui!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Take care of elephants in beautiful Koh Samui island! Work closely with these majestic animals, learning about their behavior, needs, & how to care for them responsibly.

    In Thailand, elephants hold significant cultural, mythical, and religious value. However, this respect is not always reflected in how they are treated. Many elephants face abuse, poaching, deforestation, and habitat loss, leading to a significant decline in their population. Today, Asian elephants ...

    About the program

    In Thailand, elephants hold significant cultural, mythical, and religious value. However, this respect is not always reflected in how they are treated. Many elephants face abuse, poaching, deforestation, and habitat loss, leading to a significant decline in their population. Today, Asian elephants are classified as endangered.

    The Elephant Care Program is dedicated to providing proper care for elephants based on their age and health. Throughout the week, you will help maintain their living environment, ensuring it remains clean and healthy.

    On Mondays, you will be introduced to Asian elephants and learn how to prepare Thai herbal medicine for them, with the support of the sanctuary staff. This session offers a great starting point for new participants to understand the program’s mission.

    From Monday to Friday, your tasks will include daily chores such as cleaning the elephant’s habitat, observing their behaviour, and preparing their food. You will also assist in purchasing food, cutting grass, and planting vegetables to ensure they receive a nutritious diet.

    By joining the Elephant Care Program, you’ll contribute to the elephants’ health and well-being while gaining valuable insights into their care. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of these magnificent creatures.

    Location

    Koh Samui is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for its white-sand beaches, palm-fringed coastlines, and relaxed island atmosphere. Known for its friendly locals and rich cultural heritage, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant traditions. As a volunteer destination, Koh Samui provides an inspiring environment where you can contribute to the community while experiencing authentic Thai culture.

    Project Tasks

    • Contribute to the care of elephants, ensuring their health and well-being according to their age and the appropriate environmental conditions.
    • Help maintain the cleanliness of the elephants’ habitat.
    • Learn about Thai elephants and gain the knowledge to care for them or provide accurate information about elephant care.
    • Thailand Digital Arrival Card
      • All incoming passengers are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card via this link: tdac.immigration.go.th. The system has changed from paper to digital submission. For more information, please review the link.

    Minors traveling to Thailand

    Minors traveling to Thailand with/without parents/legal guardians are required to adhere to instructions of the Thai immigration. For more information, please check here.

    Motorbike Hire
    Please note, motorbike hire is strictly prohibited for volunteers, including when outside the centre on weekends. If a participant is found to have hired a motorbike, this will result in termination of the program with no refund. 

    Typical day

    Monday
    Introduction about Asian Elephants
    Learn about and prepare Thai herb medicine for Elephants by the I Love Elephant team (Only for first-time participants)

    Tuesday to Friday (and Mon-Fri from 2nd week - 3-5 hours a day)
    Clean the elephant habitat and assist the team with the cleanup.
    Take care of ...

    Typical day

    Monday
    Introduction about Asian Elephants
    Learn about and prepare Thai herb medicine for Elephants by the I Love Elephant team (Only for first-time participants)

    Tuesday to Friday (and Mon-Fri from 2nd week - 3-5 hours a day)
    Clean the elephant habitat and assist the team with the cleanup.
    Take care of the elephants’ living conditions by cleaning wells, adding water, and assisting with repairs or construction work.
    Help with the elephants’ health by observing their eating habits, and monitoring their feces for any signs of parasites or digestive issues.
    Observe and learn about elephant behavior.
    Prepare food for the elephants or assist in purchasing items from the market.
    Plant, water, and maintain the elephant food area by growing grass, vegetables, bananas, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, or other plants that elephants enjoy.

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

    Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.

    Free-time activities

    Ang Thong National Marine Park
    The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. ..

    Free-time activities

    Ang Thong National Marine Park
    The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a scenic cluster of 42 limestone islands spanning over 95 square miles (246 square kilometres) in southern Thailand. Known for its dramatic karst formations, the park features secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and hidden caves. It’s also a haven for wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and dolphins.

    Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
    Hidden within Koh Samui’s lush hills, the Secret Buddha Garden is an enchanting site featuring stone sculptures of Buddha, animals, and mythical beings surrounded by waterfalls. Created by local farmer Nim Thongsuk, this serene garden serves as both an artful sanctuary and his final resting place.

    Na Muang Waterfall
    Located in Koh Samui’s mountainous interior, Na Muang Waterfall has two tiers: an easily accessible lower tier with a natural pool, and a higher, more secluded spot reached by a 30-minute hike. Surrounded by dense jungle, this free-access site is a favourite for visitors seeking a refreshing retreat.

    Koh Tan (Koh Taen)
    Just three miles south of Koh Samui, Koh Tan (also known as Koh Taen or Coral Island) offers tranquil beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. With no cars and only around 30 residents, the island gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Thai island life.

    Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta)
    Koh Samui’s Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks on Lamai Beach are intriguing natural formations resembling male and female anatomy. A popular tourist spot, these unique rock outcrops sit on a beautiful beach with tide pools, making it an amusing and scenic destination.

    Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

    Koh Samui’s iconic Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai, features a towering 40-foot (12-meter) golden Buddha statue that is visible from miles away. Situated on the north coast, it’s both an active worship site and a landmark for visitors seeking cultural insight and panoramic views.

    Butterfly Hill Samui
    Butterfly Hill is a scenic garden on Koh Samui that houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies, as well as other insects and tropical flowers. The hilltop location offers picturesque views of the island and sea, and visitors can cool off at a nearby waterfall.

    Aow Leuk Beach
    On Koh Tao’s southeastern side, Aow Leuk Beach is a quiet and somewhat secluded spot with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, providing a peaceful escape from the island’s busier areas. It’s ideal for snorkelling, as the calm, shallow waters are home to colourful marine life.

    Chaweng Beach

    The longest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach boasts turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and vibrant nightlife. With a 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of soft white sand, Chaweng is perfect for swimming, water sports, and unwinding amid the lively beach scene.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Koh Samui Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. 

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Koh Samui (USM) Airport. You must arrive between 08.00 and 17:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights accommodation for an extra fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation in Koh Sammi, it takes around 1 hour. 

    Accommodation

    You will stay at the volunteer accommodation which has shared dorm rooms of 4-8 people (single gender). The accommodation has fans, air-con, wifi, hot showers and bed linen. For laundry you can hand wash or use a laundry facility in town. There is also a swimming pool and spacious living areas for relaxation.

    *Private rooms are available for an additional fee, subject to availability.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages


    All the meals served inside the accommodation are homestyle, vegetarian-friendly and you can expect that they will be typically Thai, including plenty of rice or noodle dishes with vegetables and occasionally some meat will be provided as well, along with seasonal fruits for dessert.

    While we do our best to accommodate our participants, what we provide for most meals is local cuisine. If you are a picky eater, have dietary restrictions, or if you think that you will not be satisfied with the local dishes provided, you might want to consider supplementing our menu with Western-type foods and snacks that are more to your liking.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Koh Samui Airport (USM) in Koh Samui. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrivals on Sundays.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,074 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I supported a loving team with daily tasks such as keeping the enclosures clean, shredding antelopes and feeding the kittens. Comments on ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Koh Samui

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Thailand
    Contact Lauren
      Very high response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Lauren
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details