The Asiatic elephants have smaller ears than their African relatives, and have just one finger at the top of their trunk instead of two. The tusks of these animals are small and by females sometimes totally absent. These species is threatened with extinction. One-hundred years ago, more than 20,000 wild Asian elephants inhabited Sri Lanka. Today, the population numbers about 5.000. This foremost by struggle against humans for land.
Project
Volunteer work with elephants in Sri Lanka; The project’s goal is to develop a sustainable model for wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka. Their focus is on helping people, elephants and other wildlife co-exist peacefully.
The project staff consist of a nice team of a volunteer program manager, a field project manager, a field and logistics assistant, field scouts, a field scouts assistant, a field house cook and a house assistant. And you will also work together with other volunteers from all over the world. The language spoken at this project is English.
The project is situated in one of the oldest National parks of Sri Lanka and gives a home to wild Asian elephants, sloth bears, leopards and many other endangered wildlife. The park is a home to more than 23 species of mammals and elephants can be seen in large herds together. It’s also one of the most important bird area in Sri Lanka. Also the views of mountains, rivers and plains where the project is located is breathtakingly beautiful. As you are a nature lover this is your place to be!
You will be responsible for arranging your own transport to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Detailed information will be provided after booking.
Volunteers will work hand-in-hand with the local staff and volunteers from all around the globe to carry out essential conservation work, including:
- Tracking and observation of elephants .
- Gathering information on elephants and other wildlife and tropical ecosystems.
- Collecting essential environmental and social-economic data to help develop community-based conservation programs.
- Participating in discussions with local villagers to help identify practical solutions to human-elephant conflicts.
- Observing, assessing and documenting human-elephant conflicts.
- Helping to set up remote cameras for a carnivore study project.
- Taking care of a butterfly garden.
- Setting sand traps to gather information on small animals.
- Teaching environmental education to local school children.
- And much more!
You will work 5 or 6 days a week and have 1 or 2 days off. Days off are generally in the weekend.
You will stay in the volunteer house. The house has 6 bedrooms . You will share the bedroom with 1 or more other volunteers (A privat room/room for couples with ensuit bathroom can be provided (addional costs) and for families is 1 large room available). There are 9 modern western bathrooms which will be shared by all occupants. The house also has a dining room, kitchen and lounge area. The accommodation is located on a scenic hill and you will have a great view on the nature park and the lake.
As a volunteer you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age for participation is 18 years old, or 16 years old and having permission of a parents/guardian or younger than 16 years old and accompanied by a parent or adult taking responsibility of the participant.(Family volunteering is also possible).
- You must be able to work in a team.
- Be flexible.
- There are no required vaccines for this project. Recommended vaccines are DTP, hepatitis A and typhoid (for the the most updated information we advise you to contact or visit your local clinic).
Working on the project is possible throughout the year and minimum participation of 1 week. Start every Monday.
| Period | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 week | € 680,00 |
| 2 weeks | € 800,00 |
| 3 weeks | € 1.130,00 |
| 4 weeks | € 1.245,00 |
| 6 weeks | € 1.515,00 |
| 8 weeks | € 1.960,00 |
- Information and assistence before deparure
- If desired, after booking, free estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
- Transfer from Colombo to the de project site
- Accommodation
- 3 meals per dag
- Transfers between project locations
- Donation to the project
- Orientations and briefings
- Training en supervision
- Administration costs
- And, of course a very memorable experience!
Prices are valid for the said periods in the year 2020.
Everything you need to know before you book this project:
Extensive information Project Elephants and nature in Sri Lanka (PDF)