Family wildlife rescue vacation, Thailand

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Volunteers can share transfers from the airport to the project which reduces emissions from multiple vehicles being required. The main form of transport is walking around the center to assist and feed the many animals on site. Vegetarian and vegan food is available to the project.

We encourage our volunteers to combine volunteering with a vacation to explore the country so that it reduces the number of flights that they do. We encourage flying direct, as indirect flights use more fuel. Volunteers are asked reduce the amount of plastic they use on vacation but taking reusable bags, water bottles, straws and cutlery as well as taking shampoo and conditioner bars rather than in plastic bottles.

When on the trip volunteers are asked to use water carefully, switch off all electric devises when they leave rooms and use public transport to explore.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

By choosing for your family to volunteer at the Wildlife Rescue Centre you will make a major contribution to the welfare of animals in Thailand. Your time and efforts will help to care for the animals, and the majority of the programme cost will go direct to the Centre providing a critical source of funding for their future work.

The center actively campaigns for better animal treatment in Thailand including issues with illegal pet trading, hunting and poaching and the use of animals within the tourist industry. They distribute educational materials to travel agents in Thailand to ask them to stop endorsing places where animals are used for entertainment, and in particular they have led campaigns against ‘Tiger Temple’; a formerly popular tourist activity, which has been exposed for its cases of animal cruelty. The center works in collaboration with local authorities including the Royal Forestry Department to confiscate animals from markets or illegal traders.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Volunteers are encouraged to visit local day markets to buy directly from local producers as well as the weekly night market to buy souvenirs and crafts. The center is based on the grounds of a Buddhist temple and volunteers often visit and donate to the upkeep of the temple. The vast majority of guides, cooks, cleaners and airport transfer driver employed are from the local villages.

Educational tours are organised for young school children at the center, the team believe that the education of the next generation is critical to the survival of the endangered species, and conservation of wildlife as a whole. They also educate the local community on poaching which is a commonplace in rural areas.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We welcome LGBTQ+ families to join this trip. The majority of staff, vets, animal care specialists, cooks and cleaners are diverse and employed from the local community. The team train and employs members of the local community.