Kindered Spirits award winning sanctuary is run by Kindred Spirit Elephant Foundation, a registered NGO in Thailand. They opened their doors in May 2016, with the aim to bring as many elephants as possible back to their natural habitat whilst working on educating both with the public and the locals about elephant treatment and try to combat illegal trade. At Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary they are passionate about elephant welfare and want their elephants to live their lives as naturally and with as little human influence as possible. They do not promote elephant rides or any form of elephant performance.
They also work very closely with the community of the village where the sanctuary is set. Providing an income for the community by creating homestays for the volunteers to stay, renting land, and creating jobs. They give back to their wonderful community by teaching English at the school, to the homestays and to the mahouts. On top of this they have also won the Responsible Thailand Community Based Tourism Award, been commended by The World Responsible Tourism Animal Welfare Award and Thailand Green Excellence Animal Welfare Award.
Volunteer in the stunning Elephant roaming forests of North Thailand.
Work and help protect the charismatic species that is the Asian Elephant.
Live & work with the local villagers and learn about elephants in Asia.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Experience the breath-taking culture of North Thailand, through this authentic experience.
Take day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attraction.
At Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, our mission is to return as many elephants as possible to their natural habitat while providing education to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through dedicated conservation efforts and community engagement, we strive to protect these majestic creatures and ensure a sustainable future where elephants can thrive in the wild.
Experience a day immersed in the heart of elephant conservation, where every moment brings you closer to these majestic creatures and the community that surrounds them.
A Typical Day in Elephant Conservation:
Our mornings start early with invigorating hikes through the lush forest, tracking elephants to observe and meticulously record their natural behaviors. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute directly to our research efforts while gaining a deep understanding of elephant ecology.
After spending quality time with the elephants, some days we enjoy a unique lunch in their tranquil forest habitat—an unforgettable experience that bonds us with these gentle giants and their environment.
In the afternoons, we transition to data entry, where we meticulously organize and analyze the information gathered during our field observations. This critical task helps us refine our understanding of elephant behavior and inform conservation strategies.
Beyond data entry, afternoons are dedicated to project work aimed at enhancing our research methodologies and developing comprehensive portfolios on the elephants under our care. Here, you'll collaborate closely with our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers, brainstorming innovative ideas to advance our conservation goals.
Evenings are reserved for engaging talks and presentations on elephant research and conservation, where we aim to raise awareness and inspire action among our visitors and community members. These sessions foster a deeper connection to the cause and empower you to become an advocate for elephant conservation.
Example Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday):
8am-12pm: Elephant hike & research - Track elephants, observe behaviors, and collect data.
12pm-1pm: Lunch - Enjoy a unique dining experience in the forest with the elephants.
1pm-2pm: Data entry - Enter and analyze research data to contribute to our ongoing projects.
2pm-5pm: Project work - Collaborate on research portfolios and innovate conservation strategies.
6pm-7pm: Dinner - Share meals and stories with fellow volunteers and staff.
7pm-8pm: Free time (except Wednesday: Elephant Presentation) - Relax or engage in optional activities.
Additional Opportunities:
Beyond the core activities, volunteers and visitors have the chance to make a broader impact through:
Teaching English: Engage with local schools, homestays, and mahouts to promote language skills and cultural exchange.
Education on Elephants: Learn about Asian elephants and their significance in local tribal culture.
Cultural Immersion: Embrace the local tribal language and customs, deepening your understanding of the community.
Optional Add-ons: Indulge in relaxation with Thai massages or explore traditional crafts like basket weaving.
This experience goes beyond conservation; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a transformative journey of learning, contribution, and personal growth. Join us in making a meaningful difference for elephants and their habitat while discovering the richness of Thai culture and community life.
Forest Trekking | Elephant Monitoring | Research Data Collection | Elephant Photography | Community Education | Arts & Crafts | English Teaching | Your Own Projects | Cultural Exchange | Fundraising | And So Much More
The project is set amongst the rolling hills of Northern Thailand in a Karen Hill Tribe village. It is surrounded by forest that is perfect for our elephants to forage in.
The Karen Hill Tribe are originally from Myanmar but they migrated to Thailand during the civil wars many generations ago in search of a better life. Due to this they have their own language and culture, which volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and experience. They are keen weavers and are well known in Thailand for their elephant keeping. They make an income from their elephants and working the fields, mainly growing rice and corn using rotational slash and burn. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more first hand about their culture and even help out with the community when required.
The accommodation is very simple but comfortable. Volunteers and guests will be staying with a host family in a homestay where you will be provided with your own room that will consist of a mattress on the floor, a mosquito net and a bathroom with a cold shower (perfect for after a hike!). All homestays vary in shapes and sizes depending on the homestay allocated, some with squat toilets and some with western. Homestays will provide a Thai packed lunch and dinner in their home whereas a basic western breakfast will be provided at the communal base hut where the visitors/volunteers hang out during free time.
2-3 Day Visitors Experience
From Only = €180
1-8 Week Internship
From Only = €439
Additional Info
Additional Information
If you want to have a unique experience of hiking in the forest to find the elephants everyday and observe their natural behaviours in their home environment, then you have found the right place. Come and join us for the experience of a lifetime. Volunteers and visitors must be physically fit to hike everyday up and down mountains to get to the elephants. In our sanctuary, you can see exactly where your funds are going and how they are benefiting our sanctuary, our elephants and our community.