Author:
Jenny @littlewanderingwren; www.littlewanderingwren.com
Jenny first came to live Thailand in 2017. She is a travel expert and writer.
If you think you might be interested in becoming a wildlife volunteer in Thailand, read on. There are many centres, some a lot better than others, but we have found one of Thailand’s best volunteer animal projects with Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).
WFFT has grown from humble beginnings in 2001 to become a major player in the battle to provide animals who have been abused, injured, displaced, or orphaned with a sanctuary where they can recover and rehabilitate before potentially being reintroduced to the wild.
The Centre, between Hua Hin and Cha Am, occupies an area of 200 hectares, 900 animals of 69 species call it home, and is the largest employer in the area offering 120 people employment working alongside up to 70 volunteers from around the world.
My husband, who is a zoologist, gives it the thumbs up:
‘The standard of the animal enclosures is outstanding – it is as close to the animals’ natural habitat as I have seen in South East Asia; the knowledge and commitment of the staff to the animals is wonderful; and the care and consideration with which the animals are looked after is superb (and also very moving)’
Why Thailand?
Thailand is a fabulous choice for Gap Year travel and adventures and further research, has shown WFFT to be superbly organised for volunteers. See WFFT’s IG post on volunteering.
What’s involved in volunteering?
WFFT offer various projects for volunteers to ensure their animals our given the best care and a better future, whether this is by returning them to the wild or a lifetime of care.
They currently run four projects:
- Wildlife Rescue Centre (WRC)
- Elephant Refuge (ER),
- Wildlife Hospital (HOSP)
- PAT (People and Animals Thailand) Clinic – a spay clinic for stray dogs and cats (PAT).
Where are the WFFT centres?
Three of the projects are run from one location in rural Thailand, about 160km southwest of Bangkok.
The PAT Clinic is about 30 mins from the WFFT sanctuary between the popular seaside towns of Hua Hin and Cha Am.
Volunteering Application Requirements:
These vary depending on the project, but to volunteer at the HOSP, you must be a qualified veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary student in at least your third year of studies.
Note: There is a volunteer fee.
This covers the cost of your accommodation and three meals per day, as well as a contribution towards the animals’ food and care.
Who volunteers here?
WFFT Volunteers come from across the globe. Mostly, volunteers are from Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand, with a broad age range from 18 to 80. They represent various backgrounds from gap-year students, wildlife conservation/ animal husbandry related students and scientists, career-breakers and retirees.
Summary:
If you are looking for a Wildlife Welfare volunteer position in Thailand, WFFT is a good organisation to check out. With nearly 70 species the variety of work is impressive. The growth and the scale of their work, together with the number of volunteers required offer many varied opportunities.
I stayed at I Love Phants Eco-Lodge, with a full day experience to learn more about WFFT’s work.
My final thoughts: ‘As we were shown around the rescued elephants, tigers, bears, monkeys and many more in Thailand’s biggest wildlife rescue centre we came across volunteers in action’. I knew I wanted to share their work with readers of GapBeetle looking for a rewarding Thailand Gap Year experience’.
For more information:
The excellent Volunteer Handbook covers everything you need to know. Click on links below for WFFT accounts: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X Twitter and Thailand Trip Advisor – Wildlife Friends of Thailand
Photo credits: WTTF
Little Wandering Wren:
Jenny and her shy husband, colloquially known as Mr Wren on her travel blog, first came to live Thailand in 2017. She is a travel writer and lover of fine and interesting places to stay, he is a zoologist with a passion for monkeys.
Find out more about Little Wandering Wren’s travels on her website and, for all things Thai, follow her on instagram.