Location
  • Thailand
    • Hua Hin
Length
2 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
16
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Family Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
1400
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Some Activities Domestic Airfare Equipment Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Some Meals SIM cards Visa
Feb 15, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
11 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Wild animals in Thailand are experiencing pressures from many sources – loss of habitat, hunting, the illegal pet trade, use of animals by the entertainment industry, and cruelty and abuse by people. In an attempt to help native wildlife this organization runs several projects including hands-on wildlife rescue, medical care, wildlife rehabilitation, community education and research. Built on temple land, the centre provides the animals with a huge plot of forest to shelter in during their rehabilitation, or for some to live in for the rest of their lives.

At the centre you can find many species of macaques, gibbons, civets, loris, small and big cats (leopards and tigers), bears, crocodiles and birds. The animals receive medical treatment when necessary and are nursed back to health with the goal always being to release them into the wild if possible. Animals that cannot be reintroduced to the wild can spend the rest of their lives in a sanctuary.

Prepare to get messy!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Hands on work with orangutans, hornbills and sunbears!
  • No experience necessary. All volunteers are trained on safe and ethical wild animal handling techniques.
  • Live at the site for easy commute from bed to animals in no time! :)
  • All meals are included, you don't need to worry about cooking.
  • Start any Sunday of the year, volunteers always needed!

Program Impact

The rescue centre cares for six species of gibbon, five species of macaque, lorises, two species of langur, two species of bear, small wild cats, various civet species, reptiles, otters, birds and many more. All the animals you will see around the center have been rescued from poor living conditions, saved from the illegal wildlife trade, the pet industry, the tourism and entertainment industry, or directly from the wild, where they may have been victims of road traffic accidents, dog attacks or other human caused accidents. The work can be challenging - it can be difficult to see how the animals have suffered - but in the end it is tremendously rewarding to be part of the solution. The animals at the centre are released back into the wild or can live the rest of their lives in a safe environment, as close to nature as possible, and are provided the best care possible with the help of volunteers like you.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 2 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Default avatar
Mercedes
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wildlife in Thailand

This is my third trip with Animal Experience International. I can honestly say this organization has changed my life. Nora is always just one email away. Answering even the silliest of questions that I have, like do I take a checked bag vs only a carry-on but also help with the most important questions like how to get my visa, where the taxi will pick me up ect... no question too big or too small. I also feel so safe, as if someone is right here with me even if they are half way across the world.
My trip to Thailand was absolutely amazing. We worked mostly with primates; gibbons, macaques and langurs as well as some bears, otters, pigs, munjack and many more. This place is a safe haven for these animals who have all had a very difficult life prior to being rescued. The fact I could play a small role in their care means the world to me. Ever since my first trip in 2019 to Guatemala I feel like my eyes have been opened in both positive and negative ways. I can never unknow the hurt that trafficked animals go through but in the same breath I see how many people are trying to help these animals and give them a better life.
AEI has truly changed lives for the better and I can't wait to volunteer again.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I finally tried durian fruit. I could taste the sweetness but it was a little like eating a pear out of a gym sock. I don't think I'd do it again. In Thailand there were lots of night markets and street vendors. Some of the greatest food was a vegetarian pad thai for 50 baht (2$) mango sticky rice of course and I got introduce to my new favourite fruit Longan fruit or "dragon eye" and the Thai people were so friendly. I will be back to Thailand.
Pros
  • Made friends for life
  • Helped to make a small difference in the world
  • Had an adventure I will never forget
Cons
  • Had to leave
  • Had to learn about more cruelty in the world that is still going on
  • There was only coconut icecream one a week
13 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Trip

I spent two weeks at the wildlife rehabilitation in Thailand and made some unforgettable memories and friends. They have the coolest animals and you can tell their health and welfare is the most important to them. I would go back in a heartbeat! The food was amazing and all the staff there were so kind.
I definitely got put outside my comfort zone but Im glad I did because I now have some of the best experiences and stories ever!
I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. AEI made my trip go smoothly and made me feel safe at all times.

46 people found this review helpful.

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