5 Reasons to Volunteer Now at Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia

Are you in the midst of planning your SE Asia holiday? Or, have you always dreamed of coming to the region and helping out Save Elephant Foundation?

If so, we’d like to introduce you to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and, within its grounds, Elephant Sanctuary Cambodia. This protected area is located about an hour from Siem Reap, Cambodia. This project, spanning 25,000 acres, is run by SEF and offers travelers the chance to give back on their holidays.

Every week, the project welcomes volunteers from around the world to help out.

So … why should you include a week (or more) at the project on your next trip?

1. Give back to the local community

At CWS, volunteers work alongside locals in various ways. Often, volunteers help teach english to locals and even educate them about the environment and conservation.

Here, you get to spend time with locals and help make a lasting impression on them.

2. Rebuild what’s been lost

When CWS first began, it was a thriving jungle filled with beauty and animals. Sadly, the area was logged and the jungle was destroyed. CWS now has one huge task: to replenish the forest in order to bring back the wildlife who once called it home. To day, CWS has planted hundreds of thousands of trees, thanks to the hard working volunteers and local community.

3. Work on that green thumb

A major part of the work at CWS is agriculture right now. As a sustainable project, it is important to be able to farm the crops to prepare meals not only to feed staff and volunteers, but also the animals. Learn more about how to work in a sustainable community and plant/sow.

4. The small animals

At CWS, we have so many animals who call it home. Animal lovers can delight in spending time with our dogs, cats, monkeys, cows and more. Daily tasks with animals include giving them lots of love and helping care for them. Plus, you never know what other animals may cross your path during your time at the project. With a jungle of animals just outside your hut, there is always a chance to catch a glimpse of a creature!

5. The elephants

Of course, the biggest reason to visit CWS are our elephants. In January 2013, we rescued two elephants from trekking and brought them to freedom here. Spend time learning about these elephants, watching them as they engage with each other and live in their natural habitat.

Each day, volunteers can join the elephants on a trek through the jungle and help prepare their food during the day.

Need more reasons? Be sure to follow the Facebook page run by Chet!