Each small group worked with their own guide doing jobs around the sanctuary. That’s our fabulous guide on the far right in the pink ENP shirt.
The jobs change with the time of year, what foods are available, and whatever needs doing around the property. You will definitely help prepare food and scoop poop. You might weed gardens, build fences, or even build sand beds for the older elephants. A few lucky volunteers actually get to go and help bring rescues home.
Number One Job: Food
Work on the loading dock or in the kitchen.
We unload the farmer’s truck, working like a fire brigade. 
Scrub the squash. 
This is the kitchen where pots of squash and rice are cooking. 
Making rice & squash balls. These are for the old elephants, making sure they get good nutritious meals. 
Is my lunch ready yet? 
Can you spot the rice ball?
Take a ride in the truck to a farmer’s field.
We rode on the back of the truck to the farmer’s field. 
The corn had been picked. Our job was to cut down the stocks, gather them into bundles, & toss them into the truck. 
Cutting the stalks was hard work. 
How satisfying to see Kabu, her ankle broken in a logging accident, enjoying the stalks we brought her. 
Eles will even leave their mud bath if you bring them a basket of watermelon pieces.
Number Two Job: Scoop Poop This was actually an easy task.
The sleeping areas need cleaning. 
Getting our intructions. 
Everyone working hard. 
Scoop that poop! 
Here comes the tractor. 
All done. The tractor is full.
Sometimes the big jobs were all taken so we had an afternoon to explore.
Everyone loves the mud bath. 
Looking for watermelon treats. 
The mahouts take good care of every elephant. 
Elephants are very social. Everyone eating together.
You could also choose to play with the cats or walk the dogs.
My favourite time was spent with three old ladies spending their safe retirement days together.
MaeDoe whose broken hip never healed correctly so she has trouble walking. 
This lovely old lady has her damaged foot treated every single day. 
The three go down to the river every day. The water eases their pain. 
Their mahouts take care of them all day. 
Late afternoon they walk slowly back to their safe enclosure with fresh sand beds and small brazier to keep them warm.
There are many reputable sanctuaries in Thailand and Cambodia. Read the information on web pages, Facebook pages and forums, and decide what sort of adventure suits you.
http://elephantnaturepark.org This link will give you so much information! You can read about all their sanctuaries, what types of visits they offer, and what to expect at each facility. I chose to go to ENP for a week in January. You pay in Thailand bahts. It costs 12,000B (about $375USD) for a week which includes basic accommodation and all meals. You send a deposit of 2,400B (about $75USD) and the rest you pay in cash when you arrive at ENP.
https://www.facebook.com/TheElephantNaturePark/?ref=br_tf&epa=SEARCH_BOX
It’s fun to explore all the places you can go. There are so many sanctuaries struggling to help their elephants. They need you to visit and would love to hear from you.
When you go, be prepared for hot days and cold nights. You need t-shirts and shorts as well as long sleeves and long pants. Take things you don’t care about & donate them as you leave. Or buy really inexpensive things at the Chiang Mai Sunday night market before you travel to ENP on Monday. Closed toe shoes, a hat & a flashlight are important. Bring your own toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent & towel.
What a thrill it was to get a picture with Lek Chailert, the wonderful lady who started saving the elephants and runs ENP!
My one bit of advice would be to plan to spend more time in Asia. It’s a long way to go for only one week. Thailand is the cheapest place I’ve ever visited so take advantage of the good weather, good food, and inexpensive accommodation. Enjoy!
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