At a glance
Support rescued elephants and bears in the Cambodian jungle. Gain conservation skills, explore Angkor Wat, and develop a global perspective on this high-impact, supervised adventure for teenagers.
- Search for Asian elephants in a remote jungle reserve.
- Prepare diets and enrichment for Sun, Moon, and Asian bears.
- Witness the sunrise over the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
- Experience local life via boat tours of floating villages and night market explorations.
- Gain service hours through reforestation and community-led initiatives
- Download a sample itinerary for this project (coming soon)
Is Elephant & Bear Conservation in Cambodia for Teenagers right for me?
This project is perfect if you’re an adventurous teen with a passion for wildlife and a desire to make a real impact. If you want to swap the classroom for the jungle, this is your chance to gain experience that gives your university application an edge.
You’ll split your time between the remote mountains of Mondulkiri, historic Siem Reap, and the energy of Phnom Penh. In the jungle, you’ll work alongside local experts to support elephants rescued from hard labour. You aren’t just a tourist—you’re a participant, helping us restore the forest and track animal health.
When you aren’t in the field, you’ll be immersed in the "Kingdom of Wonder." You can imagine yourself watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, navigating floating villages, and learning the art of Khmer cuisine. You’ll even participate in a meditation session with local monks.
Living and working with other teenagers from around the world, you’ll develop independence and a global perspective. With 24/7 support from our expert team, you can safely push your boundaries while protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable species.
What will I be doing during this project in Cambodia?
Your time in Cambodia is split between hands-on wildlife work and deep cultural immersion.
Here is what you can expect:
Elephant Welfare & Tracking
Spend your days in the Mondulkiri jungle observing rescued elephants. You’ll learn how to track their movements, perform non-intrusive health assessments, and understand the complex social structures of these gentle giants.
Bear Sanctuary Support
At the wildlife reserve, you’ll work with Sun and Moon bears. Your tasks include preparing specialised diets, cleaning enclosures, and creating "enrichment" activities—hiding treats and puzzles to keep the bears mentally and physically active.
Forest Restoration
Conservation isn't just about the animals, it’s about their home too. You’ll participate in community reforestation projects, planting native trees and maintaining jungle trails to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy for generations to come.
Cultural Exploration
Experience the best of Cambodia through guided tours. This includes a full day at the Angkor Archaeological Park, a boat trip to see how communities live on the water at Tonle Sap, and visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh.
Where in Cambodia will I be working?
Phnom Penh
Your journey begins in the capital, Phnom Penh, a city where tradition meets modern energy. From there, you head to Sen Monorom in the Mondulkiri province. This is the "Wild East" of Cambodia, characterized by rolling hills, powerful waterfalls, and thick forest—the perfect sanctuary for elephants.
Siem Reap
You will also travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ruins of Angkor. This vibrant town is famous for its night markets and proximity to the Great Lake, Tonle Sap. It offers a perfect balance of ancient history and lively modern Cambodian culture.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The primary aim of this project is to support the long-term protection of Cambodia’s endangered wildlife while educating the next generation of conservationists.
You’ll be learning new skills from expert conservationists, observing their daily work and supporting longer-term initiatives.
By assisting at the elephant reserve and bear sanctuary, you provide the essential human resource needed to maintain high welfare standards for rescued animals.
Your work in reforestation helps combat habitat loss, which is the greatest threat to wildlife in Southeast Asia.
Beyond the environmental impact, this project aims to foster cultural exchange, supporting local social enterprises like the Phare Circus and helping you develop into a globally-conscious citizen.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation
In the jungle, you’ll stay in a remote reserve lodge, offering a true "off-the-grid" experience surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
In the cities (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), you will stay in comfortable hotels with modern amenities and swimming pools to cool off after a day of exploring.
Food
All meals are included. You'll enjoy a mix of authentic Khmer dishes—like mild curries, stir-fries, and fresh tropical fruits—and familiar international options.
Food is a major part of the experience, including a farewell dinner and even a karaoke party.
When you are in a city, you'll eat at a different restaurant each day. In the jungle, you’ll have meals prepared by your own chef.
Dietary Requirements
We easily accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific allergies. Just let our team know your needs during the application process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior experience of working with animals?
No. You will receive a full induction and safety training on Day 2. Our expert staff will teach you everything you need to know about tracking elephants and preparing the bears food safely.
Is it safe to trek in the jungle?
Yes. You will always be accompanied by local guides who know the terrain intimately. We stick to established trails and monitor weather conditions closely to ensure every hike is safe and enjoyable.
What should I pack?
High-quality trekking shoes, lightweight long-sleeved clothes (for sun and bug protection), and a refillable water bottle are essentials! Your dedicated Pre-departure Expert will provide you with a full kit list before you depart.
What is animal enrichment?
Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as nutrition and veterinary care. It keeps an animal's day interesting by giving them choice and control over how they spend their time.
For example, using puzzle feeders to encourage animals to forage for food, climbing structures to enhance natural habitats, and interaction with carers.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Our accreditations
