Volunteer Opportunities at Elefantastic

Elefantastic is more than an elephant sanctuary in Jaipur - it's a community that fosters compassion, education and action. Located near Amer Fort in Jaipur, this ethical elephant center welcomes not only visitors but also those who want to contribute more deeply. Through its well-structured volunteer programs, Elefantastic offers a rare chance to get involved in responsible wildlife care and rural empowerment.
If you're passionate about animals and want to make a difference, volunteering at Elefantastic could be the perfect way to do it.

Types of Volunteer Programs Available

Elefantastic offers short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities to suit a variety of interests, skill levels, and time commitments.

1. Daily Experience Support:

Assist staff in preparing food for the elephants.
Help with morning feeding, bathing, and walking routines.
Welcome guests and help them understand the sanctuary's mission.

2. Elephant Health & Enrichment Support:

Participate in preparing herbal treatments and foot care routines.
Create enrichment objects such as bamboo feeders or earthen ponds.
Observe elephant behavior and assist in entering data.

3. Mahout Support Program:

Work directly with mahouts to learn traditional elephant care techniques.
Assist in cleaning enclosures and preparing supplies.
Understand the emotional bond between elephants and their caretakers.

4. Education & Awareness Volunteer:

• Help design materials for visitor education.
• Assist with school trips and eco-education sessions.
• Help create content for ethical tourism campaigns.

Who Can Apply?

• Adults 18 years of age and older are eligible to volunteer at Elefantastic.
• Students and gap-year tourists seeking purposeful involvement.
• Professionals with training in biology, teaching, or animal care.
• Responsible travelers who want to experience more than just the typical sites.
• Although no prior experience with elephants is necessary, it is crucial to have a caring attitude, be physically active, and appreciate animals.

Duration and Structure

Short-Term Programs:

• 1 to 7 days.
• Ideal for travelers passing through Jaipur.
• Focus on hands-on learning and support.

Long-Term Programs:

• 2 to 8 weeks.
• Includes in-depth training, observation, and active participation in daily care and research.

Flexible schedules allow volunteers to combine work with exploration.

Accommodation and Meals

• Through Elefantastic's network, volunteers can choose lodging options such as guesthouses or homestays in the area. Meals are mostly vegetarian and prepared at home. Basic amenities and clean drinking water are guaranteed.
• For long-term volunteers, transportation to and from the refuge can be arranged.

What Will You Learn?

• Daily elephant care techniques.
• The basics of veterinary first aid for elephants.
• Traditional knowledge from experienced mahouts.
• Conservation ethics and sustainable tourism practices.
• Communication skills through visitor interaction.

Most importantly, volunteers learn patience, empathy, and the silent language shared between humans and animals.

How to Apply

• Send a short email expressing your interest, background, and preferred dates.
• Mention any relevant skills (languages, animal care, photography, etc.).
• Await confirmation and orientation guide from the Elefantastic team.

It’s recommended to apply at least two weeks before your intended dates, especially during peak tourist season.

A Typical Volunteer Day

Morning:

• Arrive early to assist in preparing food and bathing the elephants.
• Help clean enclosures or set up enrichment spaces.

Midday:

• Support interactive visitor sessions.
• Assist mahouts with basic care routines.

Afternoon:

• Participate in elephant walks or observe animal behavior.
• Contribute to creative tasks — signboard painting, educational materials, etc.
• Evenings are usually free for reflection or local exploration.

Why Volunteering Matters

By volunteering, you're not just helping elephants — you're supporting an entire ecosystem:

• Empowering local caretakers.
• Promoting ethical alternatives to tourism.
• Creating ripple effects of awareness among visitors.

Your time, even a few days, becomes part of a longer story of care and change.