Elephant Conservation & Animal Care in Thailand Study Abroad

Elisabeth Swinson Start Date: Mar 5, 2022 - End Date: Jul 4, 2022
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Thailand

My Travel Story

by: Elisabeth Swinson Start Date: Mar 5, 2022 - End Date: Jul 4, 2022
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
Having a deep love for the Asian culture and all animals this summer I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Thailand for two weeks and work hands-on at an elephant sanctuary and a companion animal shelter. While there I will work with local veterinarians and animal specialists to gain a better understanding of elephant medicine and conservation, and the culture of shelter animal care. 

For one week, my field classroom is an elephant sanctuary where I will learn about elephant medicine and conservation from a number of angles, including anatomy and physiology, diet and nutrition, welfare and enrichment, cultural perception of elephants, and animal behavior and communication.

For another week, my field classroom will be a companion animal shelter and clinic, where I will learn the importance of culture in shelter medicine and its ethical impacts while covering topics such as handling and restraint, anatomy, diseases and pathology, diagnosis and treatment, and an introduction to sterilization surgeries and practical skills such as suture techniques, blood draws and venipuncture, blood smears, microscope use, and fecal exams

This experience for me not only will provide real-world learning it will also help me to narrow my focus as I make decisions about my future career path as a veterinary. In addition, it will provide me with the opportunity to grow culturally as I learn more about Thai culture. 

Please consider a donation to help make this learning and volunteer experience possible.  I also ask that you be in prayer for the safe travels of me and all NCSU students and faculty that will be traveling July 9-25, 2022.

  • Thailand

Updates

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  • Elephant Nature Park- Thailand

    Elephant Nature Park- Thailand
    Spring is in the air at the Elephant Nature Park

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