This program offers the opportunity to work closely with Asian elephants, learning about their behavior, needs, and how to care for them responsibly. The program aims to provide a nurturing environment for the elephants, tailored to their specific needs based on age andhealth.
Elephants have been helping humans with various tasks for around 5,000 years. However, while people have benefited, the elephants often haven’t. In Thailand, elephants are an important part of the culture, myths, and religion. Sadly, this respectdoesn’t always show in how elephants are treated. Many face abuse, poaching, deforestation, and loss of habitat, which has led to a sharp decline in their numbers. Today, Asian elephants are an endangered species.
The Elephant Care Program focuses on giving elephants the care they need, depending on their age and health. Throughout the week, you’ll help keep their habitat clean and healthy.
On Mondays, you’ll get an introduction to Asian elephants and learn how to prepare Thai herbal medicine for them with the help of the I Love Elephant team. This is a great wayfor newparticipants to understand the program’s goals.
From Monday to Friday, you’ll be involved in daily tasks like cleaning the elephant habitat, observing their behaviors, and preparing their food. You’ll also help buy food, cut grass, and plant vegetables to provide a healthy diet for the elephants.
By joining the Elephant Care Program, you’ll not only support the elephants’ well-being but also learn a lot about their care. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals.
Located in the Surat Thani province, Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, brimming with natural and cultural beauty. The island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and coral reefs, making it a paradise for beach lovers and diving enthusiasts.
This program is available all year
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1520 € |
3 weeks | 2130 € |
4 weeks | 2740 € |
5 weeks | 3350 € |
6 weeks | 3960 € |
8 weeks | 5280 € |
10 weeks | 6600 € |
12 weeks | 7920 € |
Monday
On the Monday of your first week on-site, you will participate in our orientation day to get familiar with the surroundings and local culture. Your program will continue as usual starting Tuesday for the remainder of the week.
The program for the first Monday:
Tuesday to Friday
This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances. It is also possible to participate in community missions focused on construction and teaching in Koh Samui. Applications will be reviewed based on individual skills and goals.
The new center is located in Koh Samui, with easy access to all daily necessities to ensure participants feel comfortable. The house includes standard shared rooms and private rooms. There is a swimming pool and communal living spaces. All meals are included (3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends), with showers available.
All meals served in the accommodation are homemade, vegetarian-friendly, and you can expect typical Thai dishes, with plenty of rice or noodles accompanied by vegetables. Occasionally, meat will also be offered, along with seasonal fruit for dessert.
Although we do our best to accommodate the needs of our participants, most meals are local cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or feel that the local dishes provided may not fully satisfy you, you might consider supplementing our menu with Western-style foods and snacks available in the nearby convenience stores.
You will spend most of your day at the Koh Samui center, where all the amenities are available. Koh Samui offers easy access to local shops, laundry services, and transportation through the GRAB app.
