Wild animals in Thailand are experiencing pressures from many sources: habitat loss, hunting, the illegal pet trade, the use of animals by the entertainment industry, and cruelty and abuse by people. To help native wildlife, this organization runs several projects, including hands-on wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, community education, and a sanctuary for animals who (sadly) cannot return to the wild. Coming from humble beginnings, this sanctuary is now an expansive and widely respected rescue centre. You will be joining a massive team of wildlife lovers and protectors.
At the centre, you can find many species of macaques, gibbons, civets, loris, small and big cats (leopards and tigers), bears, crocodiles, and birds. While some can’t return to their natural habitat due to abuse and injury, they can still enjoy a comfortable life in this sanctuary that mimics their natural environment. With the support of dedicated volunteers, the wildlife rescue centre has cared for thousands of wild animals over the years and raised awareness of the plight of these animals in Thailand.
Volunteers provide care for all the animals at the centre. This includes cleaning cages and enclosures, preparing food and feeding the animals, providing enrichment, and maintaining the facility. Volunteers are divided into different areas based on species: bears, macaques, gibbons, mammals, birds, or reptiles.
No matter which area you’re assigned to, you’ll have the unique opportunity to prepare food and learn about the diets of the various species, working under the guidance of other staff. You will also help feed the animals throughout the morning and clean the enclosures simultaneously. Volunteers do not come in direct contact with the wildlife.
Work can be pretty hot, and some tasks, like cleaning the large bear enclosures, can be daunting. But before long, you will be an expert and share your knowledge with the newly arrived volunteers. You always work on a team, so these bigger tasks are much easier to handle.
No experience is necessary! All our training takes place on the ground, so you can learn as you go. The day starts quite early to avoid the heat, but don’t worry, breakfast, lunch, and water breaks are included! You’ll be working from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with one day off per week.
Volunteers stay on-site in cabins, and you will share your cabin with one to three other volunteers. All cabins are the same gender unless there is a special request. There are western bathrooms and cool refreshing showers for volunteers, and laundry services are available for a small fee. All meals are included. You can make breakfast (toast and tea), while Thai food is served in big lunches and dinners.
There is Wi-Fi throughout the center, and the on-site coordinators do their best to share pictures and information via the messaging app Line.
Do you have questions about safety? We have answers right here!
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Bangkok Airport
Comfortable accommodation
All meals
Wifi
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
The package does not cover flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations and medications.
This is an ongoing program with operations year-round. There are no specific start or end dates; however, volunteers are asked to arrive on a Sunday.
The Wildlife Rescue Centre is on the same grounds as the Elephant Sanctuary. Some volunteers choose to divide their time between both volunteer opportunities.
Are you thinking of fundraising for some or all of your fees? Many of our clients have been very successful with their fundraising efforts. Please visit our fundraising page to learn more about their successful fundraising projects and how you can fundraise for your experience!
The primary goal of our partner is to campaign against all forms of animal abuse and exploitation in Thailand. They rescue animals from poor living conditions, the illegal wildlife trade, and the pet industry, and there is also a significant focus on public education, encouraging local people, tourists, and the international community to appreciate, understand, and protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
As a volunteer, you’ll get to work with six species of gibbons, five species of macaques, lorises, two species of langurs, two species of bears, small wild cats, various civet species, reptiles, otters, birds, and so much more! We know this work can be challenging, but in the end, it is tremendously rewarding to be part of the solution. You’ll support essential initiatives and get hands-on experience working with many species.
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The Wildlife Rescue Centre is the perfect place to volunteer with wildlife in a friendly, team-oriented environment. Not only will you be making new friends with volunteers from all over the world, but you’ll also get to spend time relaxing together.
You can hang out in the common areas, visit local bat caves and night markets, and take a dip in the nearby river. In the evening, volunteers often walk together to the nearby town, or you can travel by taxi to Cha-am. On your day off, consider visiting a nearby resort to use the pool, eat at the hotel restaurant, or enjoy their spa services. There are also day trips arranged for volunteers to visit national parks where you can see animals in the wild and enjoy the beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
By the time you finish volunteering, you’ll have seen incredible animals, formed lasting friendships, and experienced Thailand like no tourist ever could. And the best part? You’ll become a protector of wild animals.
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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