The Elephant Sanctuary is accepting applications for 2024 Volunteer Days now through Wednesday, February 7th at 5 p.m. CST The following week, The Sanctuary will use a lottery to randomly select names from the applicant pool to be invited to participate.

Every year, individuals from all over the world travel to Hohenwald, Tennessee to spend a day volunteering alongside Sanctuary Staff. Volunteer work projects may include harvesting bamboo, painting, raking, unloading hay trucks, clearing brush, or creating enrichment items.

Volunteers’ time and energy greatly contribute to important projects that help The Sanctuary operate. 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.

To be eligible for a Volunteer Day, applicants must:

* Have made a one time gift of $50 or more, or cumulative gifts totaling $50 or more, to The Sanctuary via the Adopt, Feed, or Membership programs since January 1, 2023*

* 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

* Be in fair physical condition, able to walk on uneven terrain, bend and squat, be on your feet for hours at a time, and lift up to 15 pounds

* Be comfortable working outdoors in extreme heat, rain, and cold

* Be flexible and willing to have FUN with other volunteers from all over the country and world

* This requirement is waived for Lewis County, residents.

Each accepted applicant will have the opportunity to bring one guest for their Volunteer Day (guest must also be at least 18 years of age or 15-17 years of age with parent/guardian’s written consent).

“The day exceeded all expectations. The staff provided us with so much information and education that was never expected. I truly thought we would just work all day. I don’t think I can articulate how incredible and memorable this experience was for us.” -- 2023

Volunteer Day Participant

For more information, visit

elephants.com/volunteer.