Marine Conservation
Island Reef Research and Conservation
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Real citizen science on the Great Barrier Reef, no experience needed. Two islands, 45 minutes from Cairns.
Explore Island Reef Research and Conservation →
Phetchaburi, Thailand
Thai Elephant Sanctuary
Support a southern-Thailand refuge for domesticated elephants rescued from street work, logging and exploitation.
- Duration
- From 1 week
- From
- A$1,365
- Deposit
- A$495
- Dates
- Via calendar
See yourself there
Real moments from the project, the surroundings and where you’ll stay.
Why it matters
The program takes place at an elephant sanctuary in southern Thailand, providing refuge for domesticated elephants rescued from street work, logging and other exploitative situations.
What you’ll do
- Feeding and watering
- Preparing enrichment
- Helping clean enclosures
- Sourcing food from local farms
- Supporting grounds maintenance and practical tasks
How Your Contribution Creates Impact
- 01
60%
Conservation & Program Delivery
Your core experience: hands-on wildlife care, habitat support, and field guidance from local hosts.
- 02
5%
Accommodation & Meals
Safe accommodation and nourishing meals, locally produced.
- 03
10%
Ethical Employment
Fair wages for local teams contributing directly to the success and safety of your project.
- 04
18%
Program Coordination
Essential behind-the-scenes work such as volunteer onboarding, logistics, and ethical oversight.
- 05
4%
Donation
Future Impact Fund – Additional contributions that extend support beyond your stay through ethical projects.
- 06
3%
Governance & Compliance
Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.
- Registered Australian charity
- No-touch welfare policy
- Vetted project partners
“I went to the elephant sanctuary and had a beautiful time. The staff and volunteers I met were all amazing, welcoming, and very easy to work with. The days felt long and hard but the work we did benefited the animals in the sanctuary a lot. We were also given time at the end of the day to do our own exploring and relax a bit, as well as one day off each week.”
Practical detail
What’s included
- Pre-departure support and project information pack
- Arrival orientation
- Basic shared rooms for 2–4 people on site
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian and vegan options
- All necessary training
- 24-hour in-country support and O2E emergency phone
- Certificate of participation if requested
What’s not included
- Flights
- Visas and vaccinations
- Travel insurance
- Snacks and spending money
- Local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer
Book your place
Live fees and dates come straight from our booking system. Choose your dates in the calendar, or and our team will come back to you.
Related programs
Marine Conservation
Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Reef-based citizen science and marine conservation on the Great Barrier Reef, with dive training or a liveaboard reef experience.
Explore Great Barrier Reef Marine Conservation →
Marine Conservation
Reef & Rainforest Adventure
Far North Queensland (Cairns · Great Barrier Reef · Daintree · Cape Tribulation · Kuranda)
Three weeks combining reef research, marine conservation and rainforest exploration in tropical Far North Queensland.
Explore Reef & Rainforest Adventure →See every Elephants and Animal Welfare & Conservation placement →
Get the 5-day ethical volunteering course
One short email a day. How to spot a genuine project, what fees really pay for, and how to prepare.