Koh Samui elephant care programme

Monday

• Introduction to Asian elephants
• Learn to prepare Thai herbal remedies for the elephants with the local team

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 programme will continue as usual starting Tuesday for the remainder of the week.

The programme for the first Monday:

• Introduction meeting, house rules, setting expectations, health and safety advice, management and signing of documents
• Do’s and don’ts in Thailand, Thai culture lesson, and introduction to the Thai language
• Lunch with the group.
• Project meeting and preparation
• Local tour/supermarket/SIM card
• Dinner with the group

Tuesday to Friday

• 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 bathing them, 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. 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 features standard shared rooms and private rooms, all of which are equipped with showers. Some annexes to the accommodation are available, capable of hosting 2 to 3 participants. There is a swimming pool and communal living spaces.

Meals

All meals are included (3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends)

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.

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.

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.