JAY
Volunteer from United Kingdom
Why did you choose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and what were you hoping to experience?
When I first arrived in Phuket, I knew I wanted to volunteer and learn more about elephants. I had volunteered in Chiang Mai a few years earlier, and at the time I thought it was the best thing ever. Later, once I began reading more about elephant welfare and the ethics behind different experiences, my perspective changed. After doing my research, I felt that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was exactly what I was looking for: a place where elephants come first.
What did your day as a volunteer look like? What tasks did you participate in?
On my first day, the staff made me feel welcome straight away, as if I had been there for a long time. We were given wellies, lockers and breakfast, then learned about the sanctuary and the elephants’ stories. During my three-day program, we prepared enrichment, cut fruit and rice balls for care routines, walked through the park, cleaned night enclosures, foraged for banana trees at a nearby temple and even painted a pen, which made the work feel meaningful.
What did you learn about elephants or ethical tourism that changed your perspective?
Before volunteering, I had visited another sanctuary where guests were allowed to bathe with elephants. Learning more about elephant welfare helped me understand why that is not ethical, even if it seems enjoyable from a visitor’s point of view. At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, everything is based on the elephants’ best interests. Being able to observe them without disturbing them gave me a much deeper insight into their world and showed me how majestic they are when they can simply be themselves.
Can you describe a moment during your visit that stayed with you?
The moment that stayed with me most was being privileged enough to take part in an elephant rescue mission. It is something I will remember forever, and I still speak about it often and fondly. From start to finish, being part of such an amazing team made me feel that I was doing something genuinely good in the world. It also gave me a new appreciation for the daily work involved in giving rescued elephants the best possible life.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
If you are on the fence, or if you are looking for a place where you can observe elephants in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat, then you should volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The memories and benefits stay with you for life. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it, and I am already excited to come back and do it all over again.
EKATERINA
Volunteer from Russia
Why did you choose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and what were you hoping to experience?
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary felt unique because it offered a well-thought-out volunteer program for one, three or seven days. The information was clear on the website, and the manager responded quickly whenever questions appeared, which is important when you are planning from another country. During the program, I hoped to be useful to the sanctuary and to see everyday elephant life more closely. I wanted an experience that was organised, meaningful and respectful towards the animals.
What did your day as a volunteer look like? What tasks did you participate in?
Early in the morning, volunteers are taken to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. After breakfast, the team gives you a work plan. This may include preparing fruit baskets for care routines, cleaning or painting elephant bedrooms, preparing flooring materials and collecting young leaves. After lunch, we worked in the jungle. We travelled by truck, were given machetes and cut banana trees and bamboo. The most remarkable part was seeing the results of our work go directly into supporting the elephants.
What did you learn about elephants or ethical tourism that changed your perspective?
Even before the trip, I had read a lot of specialised literature about elephants, so I knew quite a lot about their physiology and behaviour. However, after working at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, I realised even more strongly that I do not want to visit places where elephants are used for rides, swimming or other activities for tourists. They are intelligent and beautiful animals who deserve our care and respect. They should not be exploited for entertainment.
Can you describe a moment during your visit that stayed with you?
Many moments stayed with me: the wonderful, friendly staff who are truly fond of their work, the guides and assistants who care so much, and the elephants themselves. I remember an elderly elephant running to meet a truck carrying bamboo, an elephant meditating quietly in a lake and the soft, silent gait of their padded feet. I also remember their funny personalities, especially when one elephant seemed convinced that fruit in another basket was tastier than her own.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
It is an unforgettable experience, full of amazing impressions and real benefits. I really believe Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the best place for this kind of activity because the program is organised, the staff are helpful and the work feels useful. You should definitely try it for yourself if you want to learn more about elephants in a respectful way. You will leave with strong memories and a deeper understanding of why ethical sanctuaries matter.
CLAUDIA
Volunteer from Australia
Why did you choose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and what were you hoping to experience?
I chose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary because, after lots of research, I felt confident it was an ethical sanctuary. I liked that the park rescues older elephants and gives them the chance to live out their days with attentive care and less stress. I was hoping to spend time in the presence of elephants, but without interacting with them in a way that might disturb them. That balance felt very important to me from the beginning.
What did your day as a volunteer look like? What tasks did you participate in?
There were plenty of different tasks to keep us busy. On many days we cut bamboo or banana trees, brought them back to the sanctuary and later watched the elephants enjoy the results of that work. We also made toy prototypes and enrichment, including rope balls, then observed whether the elephants were curious about them. There was planting, cleaning enclosures and preparing fresh leaves. Each task gave us a chance to help while seeing each elephant’s personality.
What did you learn about elephants or ethical tourism that changed your perspective?
I had always considered myself quite aware of what is and is not ethical tourism, and how nuanced the industry can be. The sanctuary’s morning video, showing how some elephants came to be there, was hard to watch but important. It showed that even people working with elephants may not realise how harmful some practices are, or may not know a better way. It reinforced that observing elephants, without riding, bathing or touching them, can still be deeply fulfilling.
Can you describe a moment during your visit that stayed with you?
After spending so much time around the elephants, you begin to notice their individual personalities. It is an honour simply to be in their presence, but it is another thing entirely to recognise them and anticipate their reactions. When we introduced rope balls, some elephants played happily, some had no interest in their own ball but tried to steal another’s, and one trumpeted because she clearly did not want the ball in her space at all.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
Do it! I have volunteered twice now, each time for a week, and the experience has been incredible both times. I also saw how much the sanctuary had accomplished in the years between my visits. The work can be physically demanding, but it is worth it when you watch the elephants benefit from the browse you gathered or the enrichment you helped create. You see your effort pay off, and that is an incredible feeling. I will definitely be back.
JUSTIN
Volunteer from South Africa
Why did you choose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and what were you hoping to experience?
I have volunteered at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary a few times, and after the first visit I kept wanting to go back. PES is passionate about ethical elephant conservation and, to me, represents the true values an ethical elephant sanctuary should aspire towards. I wanted to support a place that puts elephant welfare first, while also spending time close to these incredible animals in a respectful way. The sanctuary deserves our full support for the work it continues to do.
What did your day as a volunteer look like? What tasks did you participate in?
A typical volunteer day included a variety of rewarding tasks, many of them practical and very hands-on. We picked up elephant dung, cleaned bedrooms, prepared bedding, cut long grass and banana trees, made enrichment toys and helped with food preparation such as rice balls, pineapples and watermelons for elephant care routines. Back then, volunteers were able to feed the elephants, but I appreciate that this is no longer offered. The real reward was seeing how each task supported their wellbeing.
What did you learn about elephants or ethical tourism that changed your perspective?
One of the things I enjoyed most was interacting with the Thai staff at the sanctuary. They are knowledgeable, fun and always willing to share interesting information about the elephants. It is obvious how deeply they care for them. Through those conversations, and through observing the elephants each day, I learned a great deal about their needs, personalities and welfare. It reinforced for me that ethical tourism should be about respect, protection and giving elephants space to live well.
Can you describe a moment during your visit that stayed with you?
My favourite memory was spending time near Fah Mui each day. She is such a beautiful soul, and there was something very special about watching her calmly enjoy her surroundings and go through her routine. Back then, bringing food to her was part of the volunteer experience, but what stayed with me most was not the feeding itself. It was the connection you feel when you quietly observe an elephant and begin to understand her character.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
Volunteering at PES will be a truly rewarding experience. It changed my life and also changed how I think about what I want to do with my time. The elephants need our support, and the sanctuary gives volunteers a meaningful way to contribute without compromising their welfare. If you care about animals and want to help in a practical way, I would absolutely recommend it. Together, we can help give them a good life.
MANDY
Volunteer from Germany
Why did you choose to volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and what were you hoping to experience?
I had previously taken part in volunteer programs at Elephant Nature Park and the Wildlife Friends Foundation, and it was during my time at Elephant Nature Park that I first heard about Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. When I was in Phuket last February, my husband and I spontaneously visited the sanctuary. We received a very warm welcome and were given a short tour. I was not sure then that I would later volunteer myself, so I was delighted when it worked out in November.
What did your day as a volunteer look like? What tasks did you participate in?
Daily life as a volunteer was varied, which I really appreciated. Among other things, we collected grass, harvested bananas for the elephants, cut fruit, mucked out the stables and helped with practical care tasks around the sanctuary. The highlight of each day was watching the elephants eat, bathe or simply spend time in their environment. I particularly enjoyed painting the night enclosures. It was a task I had not done before and one I will remember especially well.
What did you learn about elephants or ethical tourism that changed your perspective?
Through my previous volunteering experiences, I already had a good understanding of ethical tourism. Still, at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary I was reminded once again how important transparency, respectful treatment and education are. It was interesting to see how differently these ideas can be implemented across projects. PES felt very clear in its approach: the elephants’ wellbeing comes first, and volunteers are there to support that care rather than to create entertainment at the elephants’ expense.
Can you describe a moment during your visit that stayed with you?
I had a very special week with several extraordinary moments. One highlight was an external event where we were allowed to participate as volunteers and help participants make so-called monkey fists for elephant enrichment. A very emotional moment was the death of an elephant the following day. We were allowed to attend the funeral, which was officiated by four monks. It was peaceful and respectful. Although it was very sad, I am grateful to have witnessed such care.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with us?
Definitely do it. It was a great experience, and the support from the team was excellent from beginning to end. The staff took great care of the volunteers and made sure everyone felt comfortable at all times. If you are interested in elephants and want to help in a respectful environment, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a meaningful place to volunteer. You learn, you contribute and you leave with a much deeper appreciation for the work behind ethical care.
