The Lifeblood of MEF

The volunteers at MEF are the most essential element in keeping this foundation thriving. The diversity among the volunteers is evident.  

Sign at the MEF museum describing their volunteer program

They come from all over the world to offer their own unique skills and talents in aiding elephants in need. In my time here I have met individuals from Australia, England, Denmark, China and even a volunteer from Washington state. Volunteers may stay for as little as a few days or weeks at MEF, while others are here for months, or even years. 

Meager conditions the volunteers live in

The first volunteer I met after arriving at MEF was a Canadian veterinary science student named Kjira Wells. Taking a year off from college, Kjira has been volunteering at MEF for two months so far. I expected to hear her complain about never-ending mosquito bites, endless dung counts and icy cold outdoor showers.  But Kjira could only speak of her experience at MEF with a grin from ear to ear.

Kjira working on a craft for local school children

She explains that the reason she chose to work at MEF was the hands-on experience one can have working with a wild animal. As a vet student, Kjira felt that there was only so much the classroom could teach her. Applying her knowledge in the field, she says, has helped her learn more than anything she has learned in school.

This was her last week with MEF. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she commented on her time at MEF in her final group meeting the evening before her departure.

“This has been the best time of my life, and I’m just not ready to leave.”

Emma Cooper traveled from Australia to volunteer at MEF, an organization she stumbled upon online. Wanting to take time off from school and satisfy her animal-loving character, Emma felt MEF was the perfect fit for her. She says one of her favorite tasks is managing the fruit stand. She loves to sneak the elephants treats of pumpkin, cucumber and mango in between tourist rides.

Emma sorting out treats at the fruit stand

Emma and I were assigned the task of caring for Pooja. After working with Pooja for only a few days, Emma says she has as indescribable bond with her elephant.

“Pooja! I love Pooja! I had this weird connection with Pooja. I just thought, I don’t know, she’s the young one, she’s a bit of a wild child, I was a bit of a wild child, so kindred spirits. I love her, she’s so cute.”

Emma still has weeks to go until her time at MEF is up. Since her experience has been so fulfilling, she says she plans to return to the foundation later in the year for an indefinite amount of time. 

 

Georgia's first time riding her elephant

Georgia Peyser tells me that the best part of the entire volunteer experience at MEF is the last day. While this may seem like a bit of a contradiction from what other volunteers have said, the student from Cornwall says the last day is the best because a volunteer finally gets to ride their assigned elephant. As today is Georgia’s last day, her most anticipated moment finally arrived.

“That was the coolest thing ever! Maybe that’s why they make you wait for the last day because we’d never get anything done but ride elephants!”

Georgia's elephant having a little fun...

While riding her elephant was the highlight of Georgia’s trip, she says what made her time at MEF so special was how important workers at MEF made her feel. She explains that almost immediately after a volunteer arrives, they are responsible for tasks that are vital to the elephants' welfare. 

This, she says, made her feel like a useful member of a team, which made the friendships she forged all the more real. Georgia says she would not hesitate for a second returning to MEF in the future.

Whether it is running the fruit stand, painting an MEF building wall, or bathing a filthy elephant, the experience that MEF can offer a volunteer proves to be one of a kind.

Yours truly working the fruit stand