Conservation at an Elephant Sanctuary in Sri Lanka

  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: Be part of it with i-to-i:

Our goal is to achieve 400 years of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325 years which when broken down means we achieved the following:

* Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
* A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
* Hundred's of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
* At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
* More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Why not make a big difference to a big animal?

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 is an important part of wider efforts to protect elephant numbers on the island, and without the support of international volunteers and charitable donations efforts would flounder, so bring a lot of energy (but no mice).

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: 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 elephants' 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 protect Sri Lanka's elephant population.

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$: US$ 1690.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 200.00 for every week

* Accommodation: Shared room in bungalow on site
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, 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