By Meg DeNoma – 5 week intern

I was a data intern at the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary for five weeks. This experience has been truly memorable, and I am so grateful for every moment spent here.

It was an honor to witness and be part of the Kindred Spirit community as well as the village with which it is so deeply intertwined. The connection between the sanctuary and the village is truly collaborative; every effort and every success is shared between the villagers and the KSES team.

Settling into life here was surprisingly easy, thanks to the support and accommodation of the staff and homesteads. My homestay, MooToo, thoughtfully catered to my food allergies (gluten, dairy, and eggs!). Each meal was delicious, and I found myself looking forward to every one, even counting them down during my last week. I even ended up enjoying foods I’d previously thought I didn’t like.

Every morning, we’d hike through the forest and rice and corn fields to observe the elephants and collect data—a daily routine that somehow never grows old. The forests and fields offer something new and beautiful each day, and the elephants themselves are a constant source of learning and awe. I was lucky to share this journey with staff, fellow interns, and guests who provided wonderful company along the way. And, of course, there was always data to collect!

The sanctuary’s research and conservation efforts are both extensive and impactful. Each team member is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated. I learned more than I ever anticipated about these magnificent animals—their movements, behaviors, and the intricate ways they connect with the world around them, alongside insights into local ecosystems and conservation efforts.

The KSES staff truly welcomes each intern and guest into their family, regardless of the length of their stay. I had such a blast with the team these past five weeks. The kindness and hospitality of the village add even more to this experience, creating a deep sense of belonging for everyone who comes here.

In addition to daily elephant hikes, we participated in a variety of weekly activities that connected us to the village. We visited the nursery school to spend time with the children, engaged with older students at the local school, helped with a village-wide litter clean-up, made eco-bricks from recycled materials, received Karen language lessons from our resident guide Kanda, and offered English lessons to the villagers interested in learning.

I came to KSES, not as a student of zoology or wildlife studies, but as a former data analytics student seeking to explore both inwardly and outwardly, searching for direction in the next step of my life. A lifelong love for elephants and desire to be part of something different and larger brought me here. It was satisfying to contribute to frontline conservation efforts like data collection and rewarding to be involved in the bigger picture of sanctuary work.

As one of many interns fortunate enough to spend time here, my presence may be brief, but the impact this place has had on me is lasting. This experience has been deeply enriching, and I leave feeling changed. I’m not sure I can fully articulate it, but I feel more grounded, open, and inspired after meeting everyone here and gaining the perspective that comes from observing these incredible animals.

It’s hard to say goodbye!

“Love. Care. Rescue.”