Volunteer at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was founded in 2016 by Montri Todtane, a local from Paklok in Northeast Phuket. After more than a decade working with elephants in traditional tourism, Montri witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional impact that riding, performances, and demanding working conditions could have on elephants. Inspired by elephant conservationist Lek Chailert, he decided there had to be a better way. He closed his former elephant camp and opened Phuket’s first ethical elephant sanctuary: a place where rescued elephants can finally retire and simply be elephants.

Today, our sanctuary covers 30 acres of tropical jungle bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Since opening, we have provided a home to more than 20 elephants rescued from tourism, riding camps, shows, and the logging industry. Here, elephants are given the space and freedom to roam, forage, socialize, and bathe on their own terms.

Our mission is simple: to let elephants be elephants. Since April 2026, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has become completely hands-off. There is no touching, bathing, or feeding with visitors. Instead, we believe meaningful experiences come from respectfully observing elephants behaving naturally and learning about their individual stories, welfare, and conservation.

Over the years, we have continued to grow, opening Thailand’s longest canopy walkway in 2020 and Phuket’s first dedicated elephant hospital in 2025, supporting elephants in need across Southern Thailand.

Volunteers become part of this ongoing story. Rather than interacting directly with elephants, you work behind the scenes alongside our team, helping with practical tasks such as preparing supplementary food, harvesting elephant food, maintaining the sanctuary, cleaning night shelters, composting elephant dung, and supporting other projects depending on what is needed at the time.

By volunteering with us, you support rescued elephants and help promote a more ethical and respectful future for elephants.

What makes volunteering at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary unique is the opportunity to contribute to Phuket’s first ethical elephant sanctuary while experiencing the work that happens behind the scenes. Our programme is completely hands-off—there is no touching, bathing, or feeding of elephants. Instead, volunteers support their welfare through meaningful tasks such as preparing supplementary food, harvesting and planting food sources, maintaining shelters, and helping around the sanctuary.

You will also learn about our rescued elephants, observe them naturally across 30 acres of tropical habitat, and discover the work of Phuket’s first elephant hospital. Beyond the elephants, the experience connects you with our local team and community in Paklok, offering an authentic insight into conservation, ethical tourism, and life in Northeast Phuket.

No previous experience with elephants or conservation is required. We simply ask volunteers to be positive, respectful, open-minded, and willing to get involved.

Some activities involve physical work outdoors in Phuket’s tropical climate, such as preparing elephant food, harvesting and planting, clearing shelters, and moving elephant dung, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Tasks are adapted where possible to individual abilities.

Volunteers must follow our hands-off elephant welfare policy, maintain a respectful distance from the elephants, and always follow instructions from our team. Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sun protection, and a willingness to get a little dirty are recommended!

Most importantly, come ready to learn, contribute, and be part of the team.