About ElephantsWorld

Elephants World is an Elephant Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, a province near the Thai-Myanmar border. It is also close to the battlefield that elephants and Thais once fought to defend the kingdom of Thailand. ElephantsWorld is a place where humans work for elephants, not elephants for humans. ElephantsWorld raises awareness and educates visitors about elephants while functioning as a ‘retirement home’ for old, injured, and abused elephants. Here, the elephants can enjoy a peaceful and natural environment without contemporary environmental and human threats.


A Snapshot of Kanchanaburi
Although elephants have always been influential to Thai culture and are considered the national symbol of Thailand, they are currently in danger of extinction due to the loss of their natural habitats, illegal poaching, and misuse in the tourism industry. Riding elephants injures their backs and buying food for begging elephants on the street encourages handlers to bring more elephants into the city. This puts elephants at risk and disturbs their sensitive nature. Elephant entertainment shows such as elephants painting and playing soccer are often the result severe and abusive trainings. More than half of the elephants in Thailand are in captivity for tourism and indeed many elephants are in serious need of rescue.


Volunteering at ElephantsWorld
ElephantsWorld often welcomes volunteers to visit for a day and help local staff and long-term volunteers care for the elephants, including preparing food for the elephants and feeding the elephants. Food preparation can include planting and gathering food at local plantations, as well as making sticky rice balls and fruit baskets. Volunteers may also help take the elephants to the river for a bath at the end of the day. Click on the link below to learn more about the organization and about volunteer opportunities. You may contact them and book a volunteer day directly through their website.