For my gap year trip I'd like to spend 7 days and volunteer at an elephant rescue center near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. I love elephants and this will be a one-in-a-lifetime trip and one I will remember forever. Please help me get there!

You can help me pay for my trip by contributing using the fundraising campaign. Simply make a pledge to pay. When I reach my funding goal the amount you pledged will be charged to your credit card and automatically sent to STA Travel on my behalf. If I don't get enough pledges by my deadline (that would be SO sad) no one will be charged anything.

Here is some more information about the trip...

About this Project: The Elephant Conservation project aims to provide shelter and protection for elephants in distress from all over the Kingdom - the project is supported by volunteers from around the world. Set in a valley surrounded by forested mountains, the park offers a peaceful home for its residents—over 30 neglected and abused elephants. Instead of working for humans, the elephants are cared for by a team of full-time staff and park volunteers.

How you can make a difference: As a volunteer, you will be providing an essential role in caring for these creatures. It takes a great deal of work to grow, process and feed the over 30 elephants onsite, as well as help with other conservation projects. Volunteers return home as stewards for the protection of these incredible creatures.

A day in the life of a volunteer:
•Beginning at 8am, a volunteer’s typical day continues until 5pm
•Prepare food for the elephants and assist keepers with bathing the elephants
•Enjoy free time to enjoy the park or explore the nearby town
•Lean about how elephants communicate and form family units
•Learn about elephant health and treatments 
•Assist with a local reforestation program

What's Included

• Working with elephants at a rescue centre north of Chiang Mai, and lending a hand at local conservation projects in the region. Transfers.
• 6 Breakfast, 7 Lunch, 6 Dinners (Allow for USD30-40 per person per week for drinks and snacks not included.)
• On site volunteer huts-multi-share (6 nights)
• Private vehicle.
• Project staff, Professional 'elephant expert' guide.

Itinerary

Day 1 Chiang Mai (L,D)

Meet at the local office of the conservation center in Chiang Mai (at 8:00am)for an orientation session before taking a private transfer to the Elephant Park.

Day 2 - 6 Volunteer Elephant Conservation project (5B, 5L, 5D)

The park acts as a sanctuary for over thirty neglected and abused elephants from across Thailand. This is a truly hands on experience. You will be caring for these magnificent creatures and seeing to their day to day needs.

Day 7 Depart Chiang Mai (B)

Transfer back to Chiang Mai (approx arrival time is after 6:30pm)