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Fundraising Volunteer Needed to Help End Harmful Elephant Training Practices
ORGANIZATION: ELEPHATION
This opportunity is provided by VolunteerMatch's partner.
Please visit the new page to apply.
Please visit the new page to apply.
- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
DONATE TO THIS
ORGANIZATION -
5 people are interested
Captive elephants in Asia often endure harsh conditions: long hours on chains, fear-based traditional training methods, and minimal opportunities for natural behavior. Elephants are incredibly intelligent and social animals-but in many facilities, their care falls far short of what they deserve.
Elephation is a small nonprofit working to change that. We provide low-cost, long-term positive reinforcement training and welfare consultations to elephant facilities across Asia. Our approach builds trust and communication, reduces stress and risk, and improves welfare outcomes for both elephants and their mahouts (handlers). Please visit our website, www.elephation.org, for more information about where we've been and how we've been able to help.
We are currently seeking a volunteer fundraiser to help us raise essential operating funds. These funds support travel to elephant facilities, training supplies and materials, welfare improvements for elephants (such as better shelters and enrichment), and support for mahouts; helping them improve their quality of life and their ability to care for the elephants responsibly. Many elephant venues in Asia are sincere in their desire to improve the lives of the elephants in their care, but cannot afford typical consultation fees. Raising funds allows us to offer these services for free.
Elephation's founder, Chrissy, is a one-woman show who works hands-on in the field with elephants and their caretakers. Because of that, there's little time left for fundraising... and that's where we need you.
What you'll do:
Help create and launch a targeted fundraising campaign (social media, crowdfunding, or email)
Work closely with our founder (a traveling consultant and trainer) to tell a compelling story
Identify creative ways to grow our donor base and sustain support
Make a tangible impact on the lives of elephants across Asia
More opportunities with ELEPHATION
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About ELEPHATION
Location:
87 PHEASANT DR, LEWISTOWN, MT 59457, US
Mission Statement
Promoting the compassionate application of operant conditioning principles to improve the lives of captive elephants and their caretakers by fostering relationships built on mutual trust, respect, and freedom of choice. What does this mean? We work directly with mahouts, trainers, and owners to reframe the working relationship between human and elephant through positive reinforcement training, enrichment, and high standards of welfare.
Description
Elephation is a Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and improving the lives of captive elephants and their caretakers through science-based, compassionate training methods. Founded by animal behaviorist Chrissy Pratt, Elephation employs positive reinforcement and operant conditioning to foster trust-based relationships between elephants and humans, emphasizing mutual respect and freedom of choice.
The organization offers long-term, affordable consulting services to elephant facilities worldwide, tailoring solutions to each unique environment. By implementing protected contact techniques, Elephation enables elephants to voluntarily participate in medical procedures, reducing stress and enhancing safety for both animals and caregivers.
Elephation's global collaborations include partnerships with sanctuaries and conservation projects in Thailand, Nepal, India, and Zimbabwe, where we train mahouts and staff in humane, enrichment-focused care practices. Committed to holistic welfare, Elephation also supports the well-being of elephant caretakers, recognizing that healthy human-elephant partnerships are vital to sustainable change.
Through education, advocacy, and hands-on training, Elephation is transforming the future of captive elephant care-one relationship at a time.
CAUSE AREAS
Advocacy & Human Rights,
Animals,
Environment
WHEN
We'll work with your schedule.
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
DATE POSTED
May 30, 2025
SKILLS
- Veterinary
- Visual Arts
- Animal Care / Handling
- Animal Therapy
- Fundraising
- Storytelling
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
- Public Groups
- Private Groups
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- We’re looking for someone who can contribute about 3–5 hours per week for 2-4 weeks, with flexibility depending on your availability.
- Chrissy would be incredibly grateful for any help you can offer. Your time and skills can directly help improve the lives of elephants—and the people who care for them—in some of the most overlooked parts of the world.
Private Group Details
- Group Size Range 1 - 50+
- Event can be held virtually
- No Donation
- Donations are not required but ALWAYS greatly appreciated! If you'd like to help improve the lives of captive elephants, please visit www.elephation.org/donate.