Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteer to care for Asia's rescued wildlife at the Thailand Animal Sanctuary

Help out at the Thailand Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue and conservation of Thailand's native wildlife.

1 to 12 weeks from £532 / US$585

Volunteer with the amazing wildlife of Thailand. Help care for wildlife that were previously exploited as pets, within the tourist industry or illegally trafficked. Join us at this Ethical Wildlife Sanctuary with responsible volunteer tasks. Meet an amazing variety of animals at this great animal experience!

The Thailand Animal Sanctuary Project Overview

Volunteer at the very popular Thailand Animal Sanctuary and help an amazing variety of rescued wildlife. Meet like-minded people from around the world to share in this amazing experience!

Volunteers feed the animals, create enrichments to enhance the lives of the animals and assist in the maintenance of the Animal Sanctuary.

The Thailand Animal Sanctuary gives volunteers an amazing experience working with people from around the world.  While volunteering you will be helping animals rescued from abuse or poor living conditions.

At the Wildlife Sanctuary Thailand the animals are given the best lives possible; large enclosures, islands for the gibbons to live naturally and the best love and care from volunteers and staff. 

https://www.globalteer.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DSC_1146_01.jpg

Are you interested in animal sanctuary volunteering ? Then join many other volunteers for an amazing experience and the chance to help these incredible animals!

Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet the Rescued Animals

The Thailand Animal Sanctuary has rescued thousands of animals since it began. The animals all have their own stories of neglect and abuse. Some were used as entertainment in the in the tourist industry, others kept as unsuitable pets and many were victims of the illegal wildlife trade. You can read about some of the Animals Stories here.

You can read more about the Rescue Centre and the need for Wildlife Rescue here.

Summary

The Project: The Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe haven for many species of rescued animals. From endangered or under threat species to just any animal in need. Most of the animals are victims of the pet trade, abandoned by their owners when they became too big and aggressive. Often taken from the wild as infants, usually after their mother or even whole family has been killed. Others have previously been exploited and abused for the tourist trade such as photo prop animals. Animals are also rescued from unsuitable living conditions at temples, zoos and other rescue centres.

Project Location: The project is 160km south of Bangkok in the Petchaburi province. The local village has internet access, shops and bars but is small and unaffected by tourism like many places in Thailand; so you will be able to experience authentic Thai culture and lifestyle. You can reach sandy beaches in about 40 minutes by car.

Main Volunteer Activities: Volunteers work closely with the project staff preparing food, feeding the animals and maintaining the sanctuary.

Hours: Volunteers work six days a week between 6am and 5pm, with plenty of rest breaks throughout the day.

Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round and for 2 to 12 weeks.

Accommodation at the Thailand Animal Sanctuary: The on-site accommodation is in clean but basic shared bungalows. Bungalows have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers. On site you will also find a communal area for eating, a small bar and a kitchen.

Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be  18+ or accompanied by an adult. Must have a love of wildlife and conservation. Must be fit enough to undertake physical work in hot and humid conditions.

Project History

The centre is part of a larger wildlife project incorporating both an elephant & wildlife rescue project and an education centre. The local Buddhist Abbot donated temple land to build the animal sanctuary in 2001. Conservation of nature & wildlife, animal welfare and compassion with all living creatures is an important part of Buddhism.

Volunteers have always played a vital role in helping the project to achieve its aims. As well as in increasing awareness about the ill treatment and threats to Thailand's wildlife.

How the project is helping
Wildlife Rescue in Thailand

At the Thailand Animal Sanctuary, the animals are rehabilitated as far as possible. Sociable species are allowed to live in groups as they would in the wild. As far as possible animals are not kept behind bars; gibbons are housed on islands. Bears and macaques have open-air enclosures. The lorises live in open tree enclosures. The “Jungle Island”, where a group of gibbons live an almost completely wild existence in a large area of natural forest with very little human interference; is the largest natural gibbon enclosure in Southeast Asia.

Why the project need volunteers

Thailand has signed the “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora” (CITES); however the country is today an important source and transit country for the trade in endangered wild species. As well as products from these species.

Volunteers are an essential part of the project's support network. Helping the staff carry out their daily duties and spreading awareness of the sanctuary's vital work in conserving Asia's wildlife.

Typical Volunteer Duties
Volunteer group at the Thailand Sanctuary

Volunteers work a 6 day week between 6am & 5pm, with plenty of breaks throughout the day. The amount of hours worked depends upon the number of volunteers and current needs at the sanctuary.

Volunteers share daily tasks so that you get the chance to help with a variety of tasks which include:

  • Preparing food for the bears. Moving them inside and then scattering and hiding the treats in their enclosure; to provide an environment close to natural as possible where they would need to search for food.
  • Preparing food and feeding the primates.
  • Creating the special diets for the other animals.
  • Enrichment for the animals to provide stimulation, thought and fun. Including making puzzle feeders. Watching as the primates work out how to get to the treats inside. Freezing their food on hot days, or smearing honey in hard to reach areas in the bears enclosure.
  • Cleaning the cages and enclosures, scrubbing pools.
  • Providing the animals with water.
  • Walking in the forest to collect the best leaves for the primates.
  • Maintaining the wildlife sanctuary.
Volunteer Reviews from the Thailand Animal Sanctuary

Why not read about previous volunteer experiences to get to know more about animal sanctuary volunteering?

Volunteer Spotlight: Jeanette

Volunteer Spotlight: Emma

More Volunteer Reviews

Accommodation at the Thailand Animal Sanctuary

Volunteers stay onsite at the wildlife sanctuary. The accommodation at the centre is in clean, simply furnished shared bungalows and rooms. The bungalows have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers.

On site you will find a communal area for eating, a small bar and kitchen. Volunteers have access to free hot drinks, filtered water, bread, jam and other essentials. Volunteers will eat Thai and occasionally Western food. Vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies are welcome at this project. Evenings can be spent watching DVD's, relaxing with a book or socializing with fellow volunteers.

Join us at the Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary to help care for Thailand's rescued wildlife. Experience a unique volunteer adventure with fellow volunteers.

Free Time in Thailand

Thailand is a large, diverse and beautiful country! Many volunteers add some touring either at the beginning or the end of their trip;  but of course it's not compulsory! For lots of volunteers, spending time at the sanctuary is enough to make their trip unforgettable. There is also plenty to see near the project on your days off. However, if you do want to travel around Thailand or further afield in Southeast Asia, our team are all very well travelled. They can offer advice and help in planning the perfect itinerary for travel before or after your placement. Here are just a few ideas to whet your appetite.

Bangkok

Bangkok is noisy, crowded, hot, buzzing, hot, friendly and did we mention it is hot? Love it or hate it, Bangkok is a city that you should make the effort to visit at least once. Despite all the craziness, Bangkok has great shopping, royal palaces, museums and peaceful temples. As well as top class restaurants, world famous street food and a public transport system that puts many western cities to shame! See the city from its pulsating river and canals; take a high tail boat for a private river tour or join the crowds on one of Bangkok's famous water taxis. And to top it all there are flights into and out of Bangkok's two international airports; connecting you with almost anywhere in the world. Too tempting to miss!

Cha Am & Hua Hin

Cha Am is around 40 minutes from the sanctuary; with a sandy beach, many bars, shops and restaurants. The tourists are mostly Thais who travel from Bangkok to visit their nearest beautiful beach. Volunteers can visit the town on evenings to frequent the restaurants and bars. As well as take shopping trips to the night market. Days off in the town can be spent on the beach and accommodation throughout the town is generally cheap.

Hua Hin is slightly further but still less than an hour from the sanctuary; it is busier and livelier than Cha Am. The town has a sandy beach, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and many shops. As well as cheap accommodation for overnight stays. There are many foreign tourists in Hua Hin. Volunteers can find most of their needs catered for here.

Further afield in Thailand

Thailand has something to offer everyone. For history buffs, within easy reach of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi, home of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and the very moving Commonwealth War Graves. The Ancient Thai Capital city Attuthaya is closer to Bangkok and is a feast for temple lovers.

Low cost flights from Bangkok's Don Meaung airport make travelling to the north of Thailand cheap and easy. Visit the bustling cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai; which are also convenient starting points for trips to Burma and Laos. And of course there are dozens of islands to choose from ; from party islands like Ko Phangan to unspoilt idylls such as Ko Yao Noi.

Beyond Thailand

Thanks to Bangkok's status as an airline hub for Southeast Asia, once you check into the city, the world is your oyster; at least most of Asia anyway. All of Thailand's closest neighbours are a short flight away. Undiscovered Burma, Laid back and underrated Laos. And friendly Cambodia with its Angkorian temples, tragic history, lush jungles and a handful of idyllic islands. Regular buses and boats are also popular for many journeys across Thailand's borders.

What’s Included:

Included in your volunteering trip is accommodation at the Thailand Animal Sanctuary. Where you will share an amazing experience with many other volunteers from around the world. Volunteers will receive all meals on site.

Volunteers receive all the necessary project equipment, training, induction and in-country support from experienced English speaking project staff. 

Value additions:

Want to enjoy your trip and be stress free before volunteering? Leave the planning to us and let us arrange your travels to the sanctuary from Bangkok!

Globalteer can arrange pickup from the airport or your hotel in Bangkok, Cha-Am or Hua Hin.

Additions at no extra cost:

        √  Thailand orientation guide.
        √  Accommodation at the Animal Sanctuary.
        √  All main meals.
        √  In-country support from the project staff.
        √  Project training by experienced staff.
        √  Full information pack about the project.
        √  Assistance and advice on travel planning.
        √  Project donation.

Discounted rates are available at this project for combinations with the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary. For many volunteers, Combining projects is a great way to experience two projects in one trip!

Financial Transparency

As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is completely financially transparent to you, our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:

Where Your Money Goes

To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:

About Globalteer

Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?

Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.

A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:

Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.

Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.

Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.

What’s not included
  • Flights
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Onward transfer on completion of your placement
What do everyday items cost?

The official currency of Thailand is the Baht, and there are approximately 45 Baht to the pound and 30 Baht to the US dollar. The cost of living in Thailand is low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:

  • Short ride in a tuk-tuk - 50 Baht
  • Taxi ride of about 15 minutes - 150 to 250 Baht
  • Meal at a market - around 50 Baht
  • Meal in a restaurant - 200 Baht +

Quick Summary of the Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary

The Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe haven for many species of rescued animals.

From endangered or under threat species to just any animal in need. Most of the animals are victims of the pet trade, abandoned by their owners when they became too big and aggressive.

Often taken from the wild as infants, usually after their mother or even whole family has been killed. Others have previously been exploited and abused for the tourist trade such as photo prop animals.

Animals are also rescued from unsuitable living conditions at temples, zoos and other rescue centres.

Volunteers can join the project to help the sanctuary care for these amazing animals.

The project is located 160km south of Bangkok in a national park in the Petchaburi province.

The local village has internet access, shops and bars but is small and unaffected by tourism like many places in Thailand, so you will be able to experience authentic Thai culture and lifestyle.

You can reach sandy beaches in about 40 minutes by car.

Volunteers work closely with the project staff preparing food, feeding the animals and maintaining the sanctuary.

Volunteers work six days a week between 6am and 5pm, with plenty of rest breaks throughout the day.

Placements are year-round and for 1 to 12 weeks.

The on-site accommodation is in clean but basic shared bungalows which have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers

On site you will also find a communal area for eating, a small bar and a kitchen.

There is WiFi on site at the volunteer accommodation.

Volunteers at this project must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult. Must have a love of wildlife and conservation. Must be fit enough to undertake physical work in hot and humid conditions.

What’s Included in the standard package:

√ Accommodation at the sanctuary √ All main meals while at the sanctuary √ 24 hour in-country support at the sanctuary √ All necessary training by English speaking project staff √ All necessary project equipment and materials √ Project and location orientation guide √ Arrival induction

Upgrade your package!

Don't want the stress of find your way to the project? We can arrange your pickup and transfer to the project from Bangkok. Volunteers can be picked up from the airport or from your accommodation, if you are arriving early.

We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can come to the elephant sanctuary and help!

To apply click here: Apply now

You can also donate to support Wildlife Sanctuaries in South-East Asia and Latin America! Donate Now!

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Amy, New Zealand

Volunteer rated at
4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Quick Facts

Average number of volunteers on site
20-30

Average age of volunteers
Mostly 18 to 25
But also a lot of volunteers 26 to 60

Busy period
January to March and June to August

Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary Photo Gallery

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