Elephant is the national animal of Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia historically known as Siam. However, as illicit logging practices have destroyed much of the natural habitat of elephants, and because the animals themselves have been increasingly exploited by the entertainment and tourism industries, elephant numbers have started to dwindle in Thailand. During this experience, volunteer travelers will work at an elephant sanctuary south of Bangkok that strives to give rescued and injured elephants the opportunity to live chain-free after a strenuous life in the tourism industry. Volunteer tasks include cleaning and maintaining enclosures, pools and mud baths; harvesting plant matter, including banana trees and grasses, to feed the elephants; and walking elephants to the forest to allow them to forage on natural foods. Volunteers will work 6 days a week, from 6:30 to 17:00, with several breaks in between. During their free time, volunteers can visit the beaches of Cha-am and Hua Hin and explore these beautiful cities to immerse themselves in traditional Thai culture. This minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week experience starts at $920 per person for 2 weeks and $3,010 per person for 4 weeks. Accommodation, food and 24/7 GoEco support are all included.
With a goal to inspire an excitement for volunteering around the world, GoEco makes it their mission to ensure that travelers get the opportunity to experience over 150 extraordinary communities around the globe. By acting as a gateway company, GoEco partners with diverse, local, and global organizations that specialize in volunteer travel experiences that create a captivating and inspiring trip for all participants. They hope that all travelers find meaning in their trips while leaving the host community with a passion for volunteerism and sharing their experiences. Starting at $X per person, this experience lasts over the course of X days. GoEco programs include a shared room in a volunteer house, 3 meals a day, and airport pickup and dropoff, and 24/7 GoEco travel guidance and emergency support.