Conservation at an Elephant Sanctuary in Sri Lanka

  Sri Lanka

• Other Cities in Sri Lanka: 
Kegalla

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Several dates available

Description: It's difficult to imagine a more exciting conservation opportunity in a more beautiful location. Set near the small town of Kegalle, amongst beautiful, lush green countryside our partner project on the paradise island of Sri Lanka helps to care for these gentle giants because even animals the size of buses need a little tender loving care once in a while. The project looks after injured or ageing elephants whose owners could no longer afford to care for them, and without the support of international volunteers and charitable donations efforts would flounder, so bring a lot of energy (but no mice).

Project details and why it needs volunteers:
You will be working at a well-respected elephant foundation in Kegalle, which was established in 1999. The aim of the foundation is to improve the treatment and protection of elephants in Sri Lanka and it has cared for over 100 elephants since its inception. Currently, the foundation houses several elephants, who have come there to receive medical treatment or for a period of rest. The foundation also operates a mobile veterinary unit which travels around Sri Lanka treating elephants in need. Other initiatives currently run by the foundation include ecological farming and English teaching to members of the local community. Elephants are venerated in Sri Lankan culture and historically the killing of an elephant was considered a crime. However, in colonial times, the elephant began to be viewed as a commodity and as an agricultural pest and consequently the elephant population began to diminish. In the last 50 years, government initiatives to clear large areas of land for agriculture have led to the destruction of the elephant's habitat and brought humans and elephants into conflict. Without the support of international volunteers and charitable donations, the foundation would not be able to continue its work to look after some of Sri Lanka's most respected inhabitants.

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Highlights:
* Getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures
* Working alongside the mahouts and learning all about elephants and their place in Sri Lankan culture
* Exploring this incredible country in your free time - beaches, hill stations, forests and friendly people. What more can you want?

Qualifications: Conservation volunteers will be hands-on people who love the outdoors. You must be prepared for some hard physical work, and you must be flexible, as this project involves a variety of activities. IT skills, research skills and English teaching skills may also be utilised during your conservation placement. This placement would suit a volunteer with a lot of initiative who is prepared to work hard individually and in a team.

Cost in US$: USD 1,975.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994