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We welcome groups of up to 25 participants to immerse themselves in the unique experience of observing desert elephants in their natural habitat. Contribute to the conservation of these endangered animals while promoting harmonious co-existence with local rural communities. Embrace the full essence of desert life, from cooking over campfires to sleeping under the stars. Your volunteer role will involve various tasks, including tracking elephants, participating in building projects, and assisting the local community. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the beauty of the desert environment.

Experience an unforgettable adventure with one elephant per person in this unique research project, limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Become an integral part of a dedicated elephant research team, closely monitoring the daily lives of these gentle giants as they thrive in a stunning natural environment.

Located within a picturesque park, this project focuses on the rehabilitation of rescued elephants, allowing you to witness their remarkable recovery from past trauma and stress. During your free time, take the opportunity to explore the breath taking Garden Route and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this incredible corner of Africa.

Bring a group of 10-12 to our Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand! Experience a life-changing opportunity to work closely with rescued Asian elephants at this renowned elephant sanctuary. This impactful project has successfully liberated many elephants from the harsh conditions of begging on the streets of Bangkok, offering them a safe and loving environment to thrive in.

Additionally, the sanctuary is home to a remarkable wildlife sanctuary that shelters sun bears, primates, and various other wildlife species. We can arrange for you to participate in wildlife conservation activities for at least one week of your stay, enriching your experience while making a positive contribution to Thailand’s diverse ecosystems.

We can accommodate up to 75 volunteers on this incredible group trip! Step off the beaten tourist path and immerse yourself in the breath taking beauty of Sri Lanka, where endangered Asian elephants still inhabit the wild. Collaborate closely with the local community to promote the survival and conservation of these magnificent creatures, all while enjoying the unique opportunity to witness them roaming in their natural habitat—a truly rare and unforgettable experience.

Join an international team of volunteers who are working together to care for rescued elephants in an inspirational sanctuary. Together you will be helping these elephants to have a life as close to the wild as possible, a far cry from their previous lives working on the streets or in tourist camps. Highlights of this elephant volunteering project in Thailand include bathing and walking the elephants, allowing you to really get to know these gentle giants.

Become part of an elephant research team, monitoring these gentle giants in their daily lives together. The project is located in a beautiful park, where you will be working closely with rescued elephants as they recover from previous trauma and stress. In your free time, explore the stunning Garden Route and immerse yourself fully in this wonderful corner of Africa.

Step off the trodden tourist trail and into the heart of stunning Sri Lanka, where elephants are still clinging on to life in the wild. Work closely with the local community to help promote the survival of the endangered Asian elephant, all whilst enjoying seeing these creatures roam in their natural habitat – a rare wonder.

Experience the rare desert elephants in the wild, helping these endangered animals and rural communities to co-exist in harmony. Enjoy all that desert life brings, from cooking over camp fires to sleeping under the stars, and throw yourself into the volunteer role, which includes tracking elephants, doing building projects and helping the local community.

Gain unparalleled access to wildlife experts on a Big 5 game reserve, home to some of the most magnificent mammals on this planet. Shadow a vet on their rounds of the on-site rehabilitation centre and get stuck in to the veterinarian’s role on the wider game reserve – from darting animals to doing game captures, from health checks to autopsies.

Fancy taking a safari but with the chance to make a difference at the same time? This family Big 5 South Africa volunteer holiday is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to experience the Big 5 in their natural environment, whilst also working together as a team to preserve it. This is a working holiday of a lifetime, offering amazing wildlife, gently educational experiences and the chance to make a difference.
Dates: Set departures throughout the year see BOOK NOW calendar
Suitability: Appropriate for children aged 8+

Volunteer with elephants overseas

Volunteering with elephants overseas is a life-changing experience. You will have the amazing opportunity to help elephants in a variety of locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Thailand, Laos and Namibia. In some destinations, elephants are lucky enough to still be living in the wild, and the projects focus on helping to conserve and protect the elephants in their natural habitats. In other countries, elephants have been rescued from tourist attractions and are being cared for in an environment as close to the wild as possible.

Joining a volunteer project abroad with elephants means that you can get great work experience, learn about elephants and make a genuine contribution to their welfare. You will contribute directly to important research or to helping to care for these gentle giants. These volunteer projects with elephants will enhance your CV for future job prospects, as well as giving you an amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity.

Many people choose to volunteer to help elephants. Whether you are on a gap year, career break, holiday with a difference or a summer break, you will be in excellent company. Elephant volunteer holidays are a great way to experience a new country, whilst also making a difference.

You don’t need any special qualifications or previous experience to do volunteer work with elephants abroad. The most important qualities are a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in.

Our elephant volunteer projects are hand-picked to allow you to work in elephant conservation, elephant research or elephant care.

Why not read the Oyster Guide to Volunteering with Elephants if you need some more help to decide?

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