Conservation Volunteering

7 Days at the Elephant Conservation Center

The Conservation Volunteering programme offers a week-long immersion into real, science-led elephant conservation in Laos. Set within the protected forests and lake of the Elephant Conservation Center, this programme is designed for participants who want to actively contribute rather than simply observe. Volunteers become part of the daily work carried out by mahouts, veterinarians, and biologists, supporting elephant welfare and long-term conservation efforts.

Over the course of the week, participants take part in meaningful tasks that respond to real needs on site. Activities include behavioural observation, welfare data collection, habitat restoration, and forest and nursery work. Volunteers also observe veterinary care and positive-reinforcement training, gaining insight into how science and ethics guide every decision at ECC.

The programme combines hands-on fieldwork with learning and cultural exchange. Time spent with Lao mahouts and conservation staff offers a deeper understanding of the human–elephant relationship and the challenges of protecting elephants in Laos. By the end of the week, volunteers leave with practical experience, new knowledge, and the satisfaction of having contributed directly to genuine conservation action.