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7-Day Volunteering at the Elephant Conservation Center - Laos

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The experience

Where science, culture and authentic Laos meet. This volunteering programme places you alongside ECC conservationists, veterinarians and biologists in a hands-on learning experience. Set at Nam Tien Lake, volunteers contribute to habitat restoration, behavioural observation, ethical elephant care and applied research. Daily fieldwork directly supports ECC’s rewilding and welfare programmes while fostering cultural exchange with Lao mahouts.

What you offer

28 hours of help per week

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 620 Per week

Fee pays for: Materials for volunteer activities and Donation to project

Description: The USD 620 fee covers the full 7-day conservation volunteering programme, including shared accommodation, all meals, return transport from Luang Prabang, supervised conservation activities, workshops and lectures led by ECC biologists and veterinarians, use of facilities and equipment, learning materials, and a certificate of participation.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

What we expect from volunteers

We expect volunteers to arrive with an open mind, a respectful attitude, and a genuine interest in conservation. Volunteers must follow all safety and welfare guidelines, respect the hands-off elephant policy, participate actively in scheduled activities, and work cooperatively as part of a group. Flexibility, physical readiness for outdoor work, and cultural sensitivity are essential.

What volunteers can expect from us

Volunteers can expect a well-structured, science-led programme delivered by experienced biologists, veterinarians, mahouts and educators. We provide full supervision, training, accommodation, meals, and logistics, as well as meaningful conservation tasks that directly support elephant welfare and rewilding efforts. Safety, ethics, learning quality, and respect for both people and elephants are always our priorities.

Activities & Shift

Daily Core Expectations (All Days)

- Attend morning briefings and follow daily schedules
- Participate actively and collaboratively in group tasks
- Record observations accurately when required
- Maintain cleanliness of shared work and living spaces

Field & Conservation Activities

- Forest walks and trekking (moderate level)
- Collection of tree seeds and elephant dung (fertiliser use)
- Habitat restoration and tree nursery maintenance
- Bamboo or eco-material workshop activities
- Maintenance of conservation work areas

Elephant Observation & Welfare

- Behavioural observation at the Socialisation Area
- Recording elephant social interactions (ethograms)
- Observation of elephant graing and bathing routines
- Forest observation walks with elephants
- Observation of positive reinforcement training (no participation)

Research & Learning

- Introductory lectures on elephant biology and behaviour
- Data collection sessions with biologists
- Introduction to research protocols and welfare indicators
- Lab sessions (e.g. basic parasitology, white blood cell counts)
- Visits to the Information and Exhibition Centers

Veterinary & Hospital Observation

- Observation sessions at the Elephant Hospital
- Introduction to veterinary protocols and elephant health monitoring
- Observation of medical training and health checks (from a safe distance)

Cultural & Educational Activities

- Cultural exchanges with Lao mahouts
- Introduction to mahout culture and human–elephant relationships
- Contribution to awareness content (photos, short videos, posts)

End-of-Programme Contributions

- Share photos, videos or educational material with ECC team
- Participate in closing discussion and feedback session
- Receive certificate of participation

Rules

Respect elephant welfare rules (hands-off, observation only)
Follow safety instructions from ECC staff at all times