Elephant Care Volunteering
- Time Duration : Min. 1 Weeks
- Start Date: Anytime
- Age: 18+
- Certificate : Yes
Local teams
24/7 in country support
Category :
SDG 15: Life on Land
34 Reviews :
Volunteer Daily Routine
Experience a day in the life of an elephant caregiver at our sanctuary, where your efforts will directly contribute to the welfare and conservation of these majestic creatures. Here’s a detailed schedule of a typical day as a volunteer:
7:30 AM
- Preparing Elephant Vitamins and Medications: Start the day by preparing essential vitamins and medications for the elephants. Learn about their dietary needs and the importance of maintaining their health.
8:00 AM
- Feeding Elephant Medicines and Vitamins & Veterinary Check: Assist with administering medicines and vitamins to the elephants under the supervision of a veterinary expert. Participate in basic veterinary checks to ensure the elephants are in good health.
8:30 AM
- Clean Free Roaming Enclosure and Organize Enrichment for Elephants: Help maintain a clean environment by removing waste and organizing enrichment activities. These activities are designed to stimulate the elephants mentally and physically, promoting natural behaviors.
9:00 AM
- Breakfast at Colonial House: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at the colonial-style house on the sanctuary grounds.
10:00 AM
- Elephant Bathing and Cleaning River Bank: Accompany the elephants to the river for a refreshing bath. Assist in scrubbing and cleaning the elephants while ensuring the riverbank is kept clean and safe for future use.
11:00 AM
- Cleaning Elephant Night Beds: Help prepare and clean the elephants’ night beds. This involves replacing old bedding materials with fresh ones and ensuring the sleeping area is comfortable and hygienic.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break. A traditional Sri Lankan meal will be served at 1:00 PM, allowing time to rest and socialize with fellow volunteers.
2:00 PM
- Paper Factory Tour or Onsite Garden Tour: Choose between a guided tour of the sanctuary’s paper factory, which produces recycled paper products, or a tour of the onsite garden, learning about Ayurveda medicines and plants used in elephant care.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Project Work: Engage in various project work around the sanctuary. Activities may include eco-gardening, painting, improving facilities, or participating in recycling initiatives. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the sanctuary’s sustainability efforts.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Free Time: Take time to shower, change, and relax after a fulfilling day of volunteering.
6:00 PM
- Dinner Served: Enjoy a communal dinner with other volunteers, sharing experiences and reflecting on the day’s activities.
Note:
This schedule represents a typical day for a one-day volunteer program. The schedule may be modified based on the length of stay, specific needs, and weather conditions.
Volunteer Daily Routine
Experience a day in the life of an elephant caregiver at our sanctuary, where your efforts will directly contribute to the welfare and conservation of these majestic creatures. Here’s a detailed schedule of a typical day as a volunteer:
7:30 AM
- Preparing Elephant Vitamins and Medications: Start the day by preparing essential vitamins and medications for the elephants. Learn about their dietary needs and the importance of maintaining their health.
8:00 AM
- Feeding Elephant Medicines and Vitamins & Veterinary Check: Assist with administering medicines and vitamins to the elephants under the supervision of a veterinary expert. Participate in basic veterinary checks to ensure the elephants are in good health.
8:30 AM
- Clean Free Roaming Enclosure and Organize Enrichment for Elephants: Help maintain a clean environment by removing waste and organizing enrichment activities. These activities are designed to stimulate the elephants mentally and physically, promoting natural behaviors.
9:00 AM
- Breakfast at Colonial House: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at the colonial-style house on the sanctuary grounds.
10:00 AM
- Elephant Bathing and Cleaning River Bank: Accompany the elephants to the river for a refreshing bath. Assist in scrubbing and cleaning the elephants while ensuring the riverbank is kept clean and safe for future use.
11:00 AM
- Cleaning Elephant Night Beds: Help prepare and clean the elephants’ night beds. This involves replacing old bedding materials with fresh ones and ensuring the sleeping area is comfortable and hygienic.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break. A traditional Sri Lankan meal will be served at 1:00 PM, allowing time to rest and socialize with fellow volunteers.
2:00 PM
- Paper Factory Tour or Onsite Garden Tour: Choose between a guided tour of the sanctuary’s paper factory, which produces recycled paper products, or a tour of the onsite garden, learning about Ayurveda medicines and plants used in elephant care.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Project Work: Engage in various project work around the sanctuary. Activities may include eco-gardening, painting, improving facilities, or participating in recycling initiatives. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the sanctuary’s sustainability efforts.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Free Time: Take time to shower, change, and relax after a fulfilling day of volunteering.
6:00 PM
- Dinner Served: Enjoy a communal dinner with other volunteers, sharing experiences and reflecting on the day’s activities.
Note:
This schedule represents a typical day for a one-day volunteer program. The schedule may be modified based on the length of stay, specific needs, and weather conditions.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay in a shared volunteer house or eco-lodge located near the conservation site. This setting provides a comfortable and environmentally friendly living environment that allows volunteers to immerse themselves fully in the local coastal lifestyle.
Accommodations Include:
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during weekdays. Volunteers can enjoy their weekends exploring local cuisine in nearby restaurants.
In-Country Support
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, volunteers will be greeted by a seasoned team of in-country field staff, composed of mature, educated, and socially respected individuals committed to humanitarian work. The support team will provide comprehensive assistance, including:
- Airport Transfers: Safe and convenient transportation from the airport to your placement.
- Program Orientation: A thorough introduction to Sri Lankan culture, safety guidelines, and project expectations.
- Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins from the in-country coordinator to ensure a positive and safe volunteer experience. Volunteers can reach out at any time for assistance or guidance.
Our Fees
Our program fees are designed to be affordable and inclusive, ensuring a wide range of participants can join our initiatives. Fees cover all essential aspects of the program, including:
Program Fees Include:
- Accommodation with a host family
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays)
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Comprehensive program orientation
- Project handbook and pre-departure information
- In-country support from a dedicated team
- Personalized volunteer projects tailored to individual skills and interests
- Certificate of completion, recognized globally for contributions to SDGs and climate change
- Fundraising ideas and resources for personal fundraising efforts
- Discounts for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude:
- Visas and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (soft drinks, snacks, etc.)
- In-country transportation outside of project-related travel