Volunteer

Volunteers help further the mission of The Elephant Sanctuary. If you are interested in donating your time and energy to help, read below for details about volunteer opportunities.

EleAmbassador Program

Volunteer EleAmbassadors donate their time, energy, and enthusiasm to raise awareness of the needs of elephants in their communities and beyond.

EleAmbassadors staff exhibit booths, make presentations to local school and community groups, organize runs, host bake sales, and more!

For individuals seeking a meaningful way to take action for elephants, becoming an EleAmbassador is a great way to get started.

What you can expect from us:

  • Online training and other resources equipping you to be a model spokesperson
  • Invitation to an online community to share ideas and be inspired by other EleAmbassadors
  • Materials and merchandise to support your work
  • Recognition of your work in The Sanctuary's social media, online and print publications
Elephant Sanctuary Volunteers Giving a Presentation

If you are interested in becoming an EleAmbassador, please click the button below to fill out the form and The Sanctuary’s Volunteer and Outreach Manager will get back to you shortly!

Become an Eleambassador

On-Site Volunteer Opportunities

The Elephant Sanctuary’s onsite volunteer program serves two important purposes. It provides The Sanctuary with a devoted, short-term workforce helping complete a variety of work projects, and it gives The Sanctuary’s supporters an opportunity to donate time and energy to a cause they support while learning firsthand about the mission and work of The Elephant Sanctuary. Applications to participate in a 2024 Volunteer Day are now closed.

Make sure to sign up for our EleNews list for the latest info and email announcing registration each year.

Each Volunteer Day, a small group of individuals will spend the day working alongside staff at The Elephant Sanctuary. Volunteer work projects may include painting, raking, weeding, pruning, clearing brush, moving/organizing supplies, creating enrichment items, and much more. No matter what task you are assigned during your Volunteer Day, you can rest assured that your donation of time and energy will be well spent.

The Elephant Sanctuary does not offer volunteer experiences that include interaction with elephants, nor does The Sanctuary guarantee that elephants will be seen by volunteers during their Volunteer Day.

The Elephant Sanctuary is a pet and tobacco-free facility. Only volunteers who have registered and been approved by staff will be allowed on grounds. The Elephant Sanctuary reserves the right to discharge any volunteer at any time for any reason.



To be eligible for a Volunteer Day, applicants must:

  • Have made a one time or cumulative gift of $50 or more to The Sanctuary within the last calendar year* (Give Now)
  • Be 18 years of age at the time of your volunteer day OR 15 to 17 years of age, with parent/guardian’s written consent
  • In fair physical condition, able to walk on uneven terrain, bend and squat, and be on your feet for hours at a time
  • Be able to lift up to 15 lb
  • Be comfortable working outdoors in extreme heat, rain, and cold
  • Flexible and willing to have FUN with other volunteers from all over the country and world

* This requirement is waived for residents of Lewis County, TN



Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get to see elephants? The Sanctuary does not guarantee any elephant sightings. The resident elephants have access to a wide range of habitat areas. Volunteers will NOT be working in the elephant habitats.

What is the schedule? 

  • 8:00 - Welcome and Orientation
  • 10:00 – Work Projects
  • 12:00 – Break for Lunch
  • 1:00 – Resume Work Projects
  • 4:00 – Conclude Volunteer Day

How many people will be in my Volunteer Day group? Each day will have eight to ten volunteers plus at least one staff member.

May I bring a guest with me? Each accepted volunteer has the option to bring a guest along with them. If you are not planning on bringing a guest, please note that on your application form. It is not necessary for your guest to be a donor to The Sanctuary.

If I volunteered last year, can I volunteer again this year? In order to allow more people the opportunity to participate, The Sanctuary doesn’t allow individuals to volunteer onsite two years in a row. If you volunteered in 2023, you are ineligible for 2024. Please do not apply.

Where do I stay? Volunteers are responsible for their own accommodations. The Sanctuary will happily provide recommendations. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE RESERVATIONS UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM THE SANCTUARY.

What dates are available for 2024? 

  • April 6
  • April 20
  • May 18
  • June 15
  • June 29
  • July 13
  • July 27
  • August 10
  • August 24
  • September 7
  • September 21
  • October 5
  • October 19
  • November 2
  • November 16

            No Opportunities Currently Available.

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