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Solidarity trip with rescued elephants

Learn how to care for these endangered mammals at an NGO that works to help them live as they always should: freely.

Solidarity trip with rescued elephants

from 610€ por persona

Live with rescued elephants. Learn about their exploitation in Southeast Asia. Help by taking care of them and improving their home.

Did you know that in the last 100 years alone 90% of the world's elephant population has been lost, that for every 10 African elephants there is only 1 Asian elephant left? This NGO, one of the most renowned in Thailand, works to protect this endangered animal. On the one hand, they take in more than 80 elephants rescued from different situations: some are disabled, and others have been exploited in the street as a lure to beg for tips. On the other hand, they raise awareness in society about the terrible reality that tourist activities with these animals hide.

In this solidarity trip you will live with these large mammals, you will learn how they live, you will contribute to take care of them and, most importantly, you will become aware of their situation. It is a learning experience suitable for all kinds of people, groups or families with children from 6 years old.

This project works towards achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 12 Responsible production and consumption
SDG 15 Life of terrestrial ecosystems
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  • Project Location
    Chiang Mai
  • Volunteer hours
    4 h per day between 8:00 and 17:00 h
  • Volunteer activities
    Cleaning the grounds where they live, walking with them, reforesting the area, preparing the elephants' food, feeding them, etc.
  • Minimal collaboration
    1 week
  • Incluido
    Tumaini accompaniment
    Hot water
    Lunch
    Accommodation
    Dinner
    Local Coordinator
    Training course
    Breakfast
    Airport pick-up
    Volunteer liability insurance
    WIFI
  • No incluido
    Tourist activities
    Kitchen
    Travel insurance
    Flight

Volunteer Program

1
Voluntary activities
  • Participate in talks on the situation of the elephant in Thailand and learn more about its history.
  • Prepare the elephants' food and feed them.
  • Accompany the elephants during their baths and walk with them.
  • Clean the park and facilities.
  • Planting seeds and other reforestation work in the area.
  • Collaborate with the construction and maintenance of the site.
2
Profiles required
It is not necessary to have a specific profile to participate in this solidarity trip. The only requirements are:
  • Level of English (intermediate level equivalent to B1, no diploma required).
  • Be of legal age or, in the case of minors, be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old.
  • Be open-minded, tolerant, supportive and willing to learn.
  • It’s important to be flexible with tasks as they may change depending on the needs of the NGO. Volunteering requires coordination with other people, so teamwork is also essential.
The project is particularly suitable for:
  • People of all ages, including retired people.
  • Groups, single travellers, couples.
  • Families who want to educate children in values of solidarity and love of nature.
  • Students of veterinary medicine, biology and similar subjects.
3
A day in the project
"The day started early. At 7 a.m. we had fruit, toast, coffee and other vegan recipes for breakfast. At 8 a.m. there was a meeting. There we were told the work to be done that day, the group of volunteers assigned to us and the monitor who would accompany us. We did two tasks per day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which could be cleaning the feeding and drinking troughs, preparing food for the elephants, walking with them, accompanying them in their baths... even cleaning the "elephant-poo" :-)! :-)! Each volunteer activity lasted about two hours, so I had a lot of free time which I used to help with the dogs or cats, chat and have a drink with friends from all over the world that I had met, have a siesta, etc. We had lunch at 11.45am, and at 1pm we would reconvene before starting the afternoon activity. We had dinner at 6 p.m. and enjoyed the free time with some leisure activities (dancing, Thai classes, cinema, etc.). By 9 p.m. I was in bed to rest before starting a new day.Felipe Gálvez

Project Location

Project

Elephant sanctuary located about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai, one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand. The city is known for its rich culture and natural surroundings, where some of the highest mountains in the country can be found. In these incredible surroundings is a sanctuary that houses numerous rescued dogs, cats, buffaloes and other animals. The centre is 100% committed to Asian elephant conservation and provides a home for blind, disabled and orphaned elephants, most of which have been exploited and abused. The project helps to improve the living conditions of the mammals.  

Climate

The climate in Thailand is warm for most of the year. The average annual temperature is 20-25º.Although it varies from area to area, there are 3 seasons:
  • November to March: The season is cool and dry. The landscape is radiant and the temperatures are pleasant.
  • April to July: The climate is dry and hot. The average temperature is 35º.
  • July to October: rainy season: it rains more in August and September. It rains almost every day, but hardly ever continuously. Storms are usually intense but of short duration. The average daytime temperature is 32°C and 23°C at night.

COST

The cost varies according to the duration of your solidarity trip. The costs are approximate as they depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Accommodation: Shared room (double or triple). Duration:
  • 1 week: 610 €
  • 2 weeks: 930 €
  • 3 weeks: 1252 €

What is included?

From Tumaini::
  • Search for the solidarity trip that best fits your profile and interests to provide an enriching beneficial experience for both travellers and NGOs.
  • A guide of the project with useful up-to-date information on the status and needs of the project.
  • Support during the preparation of your trip: visas, vaccinations, tips for buying your flight, advice on what to visit, essentials to carry in your backpack, practical information (money exchange, transport, timetables, culture, etc.).
  • Tumaini coordinator available by email or phone whenever you need to solve all your doubts. Sometimes, if possible, face-to-face meetings are also held.
  • Online course on solidarity travel and responsible tourism, mandatory for volunteers to get the most out of their experience.
  • Contact, if possible and on request, with volunteers who have already been in the project.
  • Contact, if possible and on request, with people who are going to travel on similar dates to chat before the solidarity trip, resolve doubts or organize it together.
  • Basic Tumaini Thai-English dictionary.
  • Accident and liability insurance specialized in volunteering.
  • Follow-up during the solidarity trip.
  • Letter of reference or certificate of solidarity travel/volunteering on request.
  • Evaluation of your solidarity trip to improve our services.
On the part of the project:
  • Accommodation in a double or triple bedroom.
  • Full vegan and delicious meals throughout your stay :).
  • Internal road transport from your hotel in Chiang Mai to the project.
  • Local Coordinator.

What is not included?

  • International ticket
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa (free of charge for Spanish nationals for stays of less than 30 days).
  • Extras such as personal excursions, shopping, etc.
Your trip will contribute to the growth of the project.The total cost of your solidarity trip is divided into two parts:
  • A contribution to Tumaini for the efforts and assistance of the volunteers.
  • A contribution to the project for board and lodging.
Your stay generates a direct benefit for the NGO, with your solidarity trip, you are directly contributing to making the project self-sustainable.

Services

  • Chiang Mai
  • 3 meals included
  • Hot water
  • WIFI
  • Located in a natural environment
  • Pick up from your hotel in the centre of Chiang Mai
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