Accompany elephants as they make their way to a “retirement” park in Northern Thailand after careers in trekking camps. The project is an attempt both to give the elephants a more pleasant, natural life and to rebuild the bonds between the animals and the Karen people, who have traditionally worked closely with elephants. Volunteers stay in homes in Karen villages. —Kellie Schmitt

Escort Elephants: $500 for one week, including food and homestays. 66/(0) 53-818754, elephantnaturepark.org.

Other Trips to Help Animals
Whales in Costa Rica
Snow leopards in Central Asia 
Orangutans in Indonesia
Meerkats in South Africa
Horses in California

Photo by Yvette Cardozo/Photolibrary. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue.