When I was little, I loved the movie Dumbo.
I really liked that scene between Dumbo and Dumbo’s mother (it just occurred to me I have no idea what Dumbo’s gender is). Anyway, I watched it religiously as a child. When my family went to Disney World, all I wanted to do was ride the Dumbo ride. This tradition extended much longer than it should have, resulting in an uncomfortable 18 year old on a child’s ride.
But that’s not the point of this post.
I’ve always loved animals. If I wasn’t so right-brained, I could have been a marine biologist. But alas, science/biology/chemistry aren’t my thing, so I can only write and occasionally doodle monkeys.
Recently, I stumbled across an awesome trip opportunity to volunteer at an elephant orphanage. It got me thinking – what other types of opportunities are out there involving elephants?
Turns out, there’s a lot. Here’s a select few:
Bathe & Care for Elephants in Sri Lanka
via Traveller’s Worldwide
This was the first elephant voluntourism opportunity I found. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka offers a chance to work closely with mistreated elephants. The work mainly consists of hard labor (not for the faint of heart), and interacting with the animals. Work 3-4 hours a day, spend the rest of your time checking out Sri Lanka.
Duration: 1-12 weeks, you select start/end dates
Cost: Starts at $1,441 per week
Study & Rescue Elephants in Thailand
If you’d rather go to Thailand, GVI offers a chance to work in the Mae Chaem District. Buried in the mountains of Northern Thailand, this elephant voluntourism opportunity focuses on studying the behavior of rescued elephants. Volunteers also engage with local villagers, teaching English, and raising awareness about the mistreatment of elephants.
Duration: 1-24 weeks, you select start/end dates
Cost: Starts at $1,840 per week
Assist Elephant Researchers in South Africa
This elephant research voluntourism stint in South Africa is highly reviewed. Former workers describe feeding baby elephants with bottles, cleaning out pens (not as bad as you’d expect), and overall, how rewarding it is to make a difference in these animals lives. You’ll join a team of researchers and assist them with day to day analysis, basic care, and gardening.
Duration: 2-12 weeks, you select start/end dates
Cost: Starts at $1,155 for 2 weeks
Create a Safe Haven for Elephants in Cambodia
The Volunteer Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia goes beyond just elephant care. Volunteers will help improve the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to elephant preservation. This rural, rustic area of Cambodia offers a chance to experience the culture outside of tourism touched towns and villages.
Duration: 1-4 weeks, you select start/end dates
Cost: Starts at $750 for 1 week
Elephants not your thing? Check out these resources for other animal voluntourism opportunities worldwide: