Elephant conservation in Chiang Mai

Our partner organization in Thailand is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Commission.
In the province of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, lies the small town of Huay Pakoot, which is home to our elephant sanctuary. Rescued from tourist activities, the elephants are placed in a refuge where they are well treated, well fed, and can thrive in a natural environment. Our partner organization works closely with local caregivers (mahouts) to ensure the well-being of animals often traumatized by past mistreatment.

EXPERIENCES AND MISSIONS ON THE ELEPHANT PROJECT IN THAILAND

Daily forest hikes with the coordinators to observe and study elephants in semi-freedom. The animals involved in this project have been rescued from unscrupulous local tourist attractions that force them to work under unacceptable conditions.
Data collection and behavioral analysis of the elephants at the sanctuary. Teamwork with mahouts (traditional Thai caregivers) and local communities to explore alternatives to elephant exploitation. Project coordinators train volunteers in research techniques, animal behavioral studies, biodiversity, and Thai culture.
Volunteers work from Monday to Friday; weekends are free.
Chiang Mai and northern Thailand
Volunteers participating in the elephant protection project in Thailand live fully immersed in the Thai environment, surrounded by the forests and mountains of northern Thailand. They are housed within an indigenous community in a small village in the heart of the forest. In this project, everyone is involved: helping children at school, lending a hand here and there... This program provides genuine training on environmental and animal protection within a different culture. Volunteers will learn about the issues and challenges of such engagement while having daily contact with the elephants.

INTERNSHIP IN AN NGO IN THAILAND
The elephant protection project in Thailand can also be the subject of a long-term internship (6 months), an in-depth experience for volunteers who wish to receive training in the environment, animals, and culture in addition to their volunteering mission.