By Maria Klis – 1 week research intern

I recently had the opportunity to intern for a week at the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary. As someone who had never worked in animal research or even seen an elephant before, this experience was nothing short of incredible.

In just a week, I learnt so much about elephant behavior. I can already tell I’ll be that person who talks endlessly about elephants now! Our primary task was to observe them, collecting data on their behavior, associations, and foraging habits. Initially, I doubted my ability to recognize individual elephants, but as I learned their stories and observed them daily, I felt connected to them. Elephants are truly gentle, intelligent, and fascinating animals.

Living in the Karen village was another highlight of the internship. We could get to know their culture, experience geeju, learn their language and of course eat so much rice. I stayed with a local family, could pet nearly 50 dogs and explore the village’s other animals.

This sanctuary is perfect not only for elephant enthusiasts but also for nature lovers, travelers, and dog lovers alike. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or simply try something different, the Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary has something for everyone. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity!