Elephant Research Internship

If you are looking for a unique experience hiking through the forest to find elephants and observe their natural behaviors in their home environment, Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary is the right place for you. Join us for an experience of a lifetime. Volunteers must be physically fit and comfortable hiking up and down mountainous terrain daily to reach the elephants. At our sanctuary, you can clearly see where your donations go and how they directly benefit our elephants, our sanctuary, and the surrounding community.

Our sanctuary has recently rescued six elephants from the tourism industry and brought them home to live out their lives in the forest under semi-wild conditions. We rely on volunteers to help us keep these elephants healthy, enriched, and thriving in their natural habitat. With continued volunteer support and donations, we hope to return even more elephants to the forest in the future.

Our Village

Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary is located among the rolling hills of Northern Thailand, in a Karen ethnic minority village, surrounded by forest that provides an ideal environment for elephants to roam and forage freely.

The Karen people originally migrated from Myanmar to Thailand over generations in search of better opportunities. They have their own language and rich cultural traditions, which volunteers will have the chance to learn about and experience firsthand. Known for their weaving skills and deep history of elephant keeping, the community earns income through caring for elephants and farming, primarily growing rice and corn using rotational slash-and-burn methods. Volunteers may also have opportunities to support the community and learn more about daily village life.

This internship is an exciting opportunity for current or recently graduated students with science backgrounds who are seeking hands-on field research experience. It is also well-suited for anyone interested in animal behavior, research, or field data collection. Applicants must have some prior data collection experience; however, a brief training session will be provided upon arrival.

Typical Day

Days begin with early-morning forest hikes to locate the elephants, followed by observing and collecting data on their natural behaviors until lunchtime. Interns also assist staff with volunteers and visitors throughout the day. On some days, lunch is shared with the elephants in the forest—an unforgettable experience. Hikes typically return to the village in the early afternoon.

Afternoons are dedicated to data entry and project work, such as developing individual elephant portfolios. Evenings include talks and presentations focused on elephant research and conservation, helping refine research ideas, raise awareness, and educate guests. Interns work closely with staff and volunteers, both in the forest and on-site.

Fee to cover all expenses: $450-2,100USD (depending on length of stay).

Expenses include: All meals and on-site accommodation, as well as in-country transportation to and from the project upon arrival and departure.