Wildlife Conservation Project in Thailand
By volunteering in Thailand, you can help play your part in creating a more positive and safer environment for many endangered species of animal, many of which have been part of the darker side of Thailand's tourism trade. The end goal is to prepare this animals as well as possible to be integrated back into the wild.
Endangered species worldwide depend on the help and protection of motivated animal rights activists. In Thailand, greed, corruption and above all, a low level of education are the causes of an increase in the nation’s 'empty forests'. Illegal hunters and those who trade in wildlife are prosecuted, but this is not consistent. Also, due to a lack of awareness across Thailand of the need to conserve plants and biotopes due to the role they play in the make up of wildlife habitats, our animal friends need as much help as we can give!
You’ll have the chance to take an active role in protecting endangered species from extinction and also support the team in educating the population. Monkeys, bears, birds, elephants and wolves are amongst just some of the different species living at the sanctuary currently.
The wildlife sanctuary was founded in 2001 and is spread across 7 acres. As a sanctuary for mistreated and neglected wild animals, the facility mainly takes care of sick or health-restricted wild animals, which could include those who have been kept as pets, or exploited by the tourism industry. One resident of the sanctuary is a crocodile who became too big for his owner to keep at his home, living alongside two elephants who were used in the tourist industry for many years. Once the animals are nursed back up to full strength they are, where possible, released back into freedom.
Unfortunately some of the animals are not able to be released so they will stay in the sanctuary, long term. Some animals are actually born onsite, and spend their entire lives there. Sometimes, for these animals a life in the wild is just not possible, which is why the educational element of the foundation is so important. They visit children in local schools, in the hope that with better knowledge, the future generations can take better care of wildlife.
Age Range
We are able to take applicants who are aged 18+, and although we do not set any upper limit on age, it is important to check if you're eligible for a visa with the relevant immigration authorities.
Requirements
You must be an energetic person in good physical fitness, with a positive and practical attitude towards nature and the protection of wild animals.
The project is in Central Thailand, inland between Bangkok and Chumphon. It's about three hours away from Bangkok.
Duration
Volunteer placements are available from 4 weeks up to 24 weeks (6 months). If you require longer than the 10 weeks available on the registration and booking form, please speak to our team and we'll happily discuss the duration with you and get it sorted for you.
Availability
Understandably, there are a few 'down' times, where there may be public holidays or religious dates, where no work will happen. This will affect arrival dates, but if you're in the country on project already, it will simply mean that it will result in some down time until the project starts back up.
Accommodation
You'll be staying in a shared bungalow on site at the project, along with other volunteers. The rooms are gender split, very comfortable and all have a fan, electricity and the other home comforts you'd want.
Meals
You'll eat in a similar way to the locals and the local cuisine, so expect to get to know new foods and delicacies! You're provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet style throughout the work week, and there's also a communal kitchen available if you ever fancy a little nibble! If you do have any dietary requirements, please let us know about them as far in advance as possible, and we will do our best to accommodate them, or we will inform you if the local area can't.
Available on request if required (we're happy to give you a quote and arrange transfers from Bangkok, as some decide to have a couple of days in the capital before starting at the project).
It's important to bring some clothing that covers knees and arms, which is at times expected in certain areas due to local culture and customs. However, most of the time, you'll be completely fine with shorts and t-shirts.
There are certain pieces of documentation that RGV require during the application process, to ensure you're a suitable applicant to work at one of our projects. They are:
Copy of Passport - A pretty standard request for all volunteer companies!
Letter of Motivation - This is a one page letter stating why you want to do the programme. The people that use these projects need it's support, so it's super important we send committed and determined volunteers, who really want to make an impact.
CV - This just gives us a bit of a better understanding of your background and your past work roles, as again, this is a work placement and not a vacation!
Criminal Background Check - With nearly all of our projects, you'll interact with either children or wildlife, so an up-to-date (within 3 months of departure) clean, criminal background check is required. We suggest ICPC, as it is internationally recognised.
Travel Insurance - Travel insurance tends to be mandatory for most visas, and we also require it to ensure that you are completely covered in case of emergencies.
Flight Itinerary - We need to know when you arrive! By having this, we can keep up to date with where you're at. If you need help with flights, we will happily point you in the right direction.
Before you even depart, our friendly UK team will take you through every step of the process, from answering your questions about the programme, through to adivsing you where to go for your visa. We are here to help you and to ensure that you feel totally comfortable (and prepared!) before departing.
You can fly into one of the two international airports in Bangkok. For the Wildlife Conservation Project or Elephant Animal Shelter Project, you can be picked up by a member of the team in Bangkok (for an additional fee). The taxi ride then takes about three hours. You can also travel there independently if you wish. You will receive a detailed handout in which you will find helpful details on how to get there by bus.
As soon as you arrive at the centre, you will be welcomed by the local team. The team will show you your accommodation as well as introduce you to the house rules, your work, local health facilities and safety rules. You will receive a comprehensive tour of the area, an introduction to the tasks involved, and get to know your co-workers on site. You will receive background information about the site and find out how to get involved in animal welfare in Asia.
You'll live in a bungalow with one or two other participants. At the main house, there is a large terrace with a table where you can eat and spend time with the other volunteers. It's also a great place to rest up, or even catch a bit of sun! In the main house there is also a kitchen, where your lunch and dinner are cooked. For your breakfast, there are various foods available. Once a week, the cleaning staff will come to change your bedding and clean the bungalow. There are plenty of power outlets in the bedrooms and you can use the Wi-Fi in the elephant kitchen. To make it easier for you to explore the dream beaches, it is possible to buy or rent a scooter near the location and get to know the area.
In just 10 minutes you can walk to the nearby village where there are restaurants, two small supermarkets, and ATMs. The next town in 30 minutes by car. There you can stroll through the night market and buy something for your family and friends. If you are adventurous, you can even swim in the nearby river. For the participants who prefer a quieter place, there is the possibility to relax in a spa with pool near the job site. There is something for everyone, from temples to snorkelling, you'll find loads of things to keep you active.
Fifa is the office coordinator and your first point of contact. She is from Iceland and speaks fluent Icelandic and English. Katie is from Spain and speaks Spanish and English, she is Assistant Elephant Coordinator. As a former volunteer, Katie supports the participants in their tasks and plans projects. David is from England and is also an Elephant Coordinator. He manages the Elephant Refuge. His tasks are to support and guide you as well as communicate and plan with the mahouts (Thai elephant keepers). David also leads volunteers in veterinary medicine.
Finally, Pinpuk is fluent in English and Thai. She is from Thailand. She likes to take care of you and will answer any of your questions.
Our Rainbow Family in Thailand welcomes you!
Initial payment consists of a £200 deposit, with the remaining balance due 8 weeks before departure. There is also an option to pay the full amount up front at time of booking.
Additional weeks can be added on through the ‘profile’ area of each applicant, which is created upon initial booking.
Our programmes have been running for many years now, and we've had countless numbers of happy and inspired applicants join us in making an impact. The best way of understanding our projects are through the words of our previous volunteers, so check out a few of their experiences below!
