Elephant Research

Our Work In Action

What we collect data on

Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary is dedicated to the captive elephant welfare and conservation efforts in Thailand. Specialising in research, we study their behaviour, diet, and ecology through internship programmes. Our work not only benefits our herd but also contributes to the captive elephant situation in Asia.

Line drawing of an elephant.

  • We observe our elephants' daily activities to learn more about how their natural behaviours. This helps us give them the best care and contributes to improving elephant welfare everywhere.

Simple line drawing of a young plant sprout with two leaves

  • We study how elephants interact within their herd to understand their social relationships. This helps us make sure their social needs are met and improves their well-being.

Outline drawing of two elephants facing each other with trunks touching

  • Our elephants eat around 170 different plants. In some places, elephants are fed only a limited variety, often with sugary treats, which isn’t ideal. By sharing our research on their diet, we can help improve captive elephant diets and support their health.

Line drawing of two elephants, one larger and one smaller, facing opposite directions.

  • Since Junior is the only captive elephant in Thailand raised in a semi-wild environment, we closely monitor his growth and development as he learns from the older elephants. This ensures he grows up in the healthiest and most natural way possible.

Learn More

Read our publications

Here, you'll find the research we've published based on our work at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary. Our studies cover elephant foraging, behaviour, calf development, and social interactions, contributing to better care practices and the broader understanding of elephant welfare. We're proud to share our findings and continue learning from these incredible animals.

Group of six people outdoors, with one standing and taking photos, and five sitting on the ground using binoculars, smartphones, or tablets in a natural, green environment. 
integrated research

Elephant encounters: Studying Asian elephants in the hills of northern Thailand to increase their welfare and conservation

Peoples L., Hammer M., 2024

A woman with braided hair taking notes in a notebook while observing elephants in a lush green forest. 
integrated research

Expedition report: Studying Asian Elephants in the hills of Northern Thailand to increase their welfare and conservation

A person with dark hair wearing a backpack and holding a smartphone in a lush green forest, looking at two elephants in the distance. 
integrated research

Elephant encounters: Studying Asian elephants in the hills of northern Thailand to increase their welfare and conservation

A person with a beige wide-brim hat and dark clothing holding a clipboard with a chart or data sheet, standing in a dense forest, observing an animal, possibly a tapir, among trees and bushes. 
Foraging

Foraging Ecology of Semi-Free-Roaming Asian Elephants in Northern Thailand

Group of people outdoors on a sunny day, looking at a smartphone and clipboard, some wearing hats, sunglasses, and backpacks. 
integrated research

Elephant encounters: Expedition report: Studying Asian elephants in the hills of northern Thailand to increase their welfare and conservation

A person with a beige hat is observing and taking notes on a clipboard while a wild animal, possibly a tapir, is in the dense forest among trees and bushes.
Group of people sitting and relaxing by a small creek in a forest, some having conversations, some eating, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Two people in outdoor gear observing and taking notes near an elephant in a jungle-like setting with dense green foliage.
A person in a beige hat and safari outfit taking notes on a clipboard while observing elephants in a dense jungle.
A researcher taking notes on a clipboard while observing a rhinoceros through dense foliage during a wildlife survey in a forested area.
A woman with braided hair taking notes while observing elephants in a green, forested area.
People sitting on dried grass watching elephants in a field with trees and hills in the background.

RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

Whether you're a current or recent science graduate, or interested in research and field data collection, this opportunity is for you. No prior experience is required—just a passion for learning and helping elephants. Training will be provided upon arrival. Don’t miss out!

Join us

Apply now