Project Overview
Overview
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 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).
Trip 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?
Itinerary & Details
Placement details:
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.
Why the placement needs volunteers:
Elephants are revered 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 look after some of Sri Lanka’s most respected inhabitants.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of placement:
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.
Your role as a volunteer:
This project offers a mixture of hands-on animal care and office-based research or administration tasks. At the elephant foundation, you will assist with the daily care of the elephants, as well as helping to develop public information and raise awareness of the foundation. You may be involved with writing the foundation’s newsletter or creating information displays for visitors. There may also the opportunity to become involved with ecological farming or teaching English in the local community.
Where the placement is based:
The elephant foundation is located near Kegalle, a small town in the region of Kandy, about three hours from Colombo. The foundation is surrounded by beautiful, lush green countryside and is very peaceful. Local amenities, including internet cafés and banks, can be found nearby.
Please book your flight to arrive into Colombo (airport code CMB) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Stories
Liz Askell gives this project 10/10
Here is what Liz had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
All the people I had met and made friends with
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
its made me think about my life in the UK and made me think aboiut what I want to do career wise
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- go by your own instinct
- dont judge everything on first glance
-have an open mind
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Everything I knew I'd feel I have, but its changed me as a person
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
probably staying longer so I could see the contributions I was making
Also although i 2 i have been fantastic, compared to going directly the price is hugely different, double in fact
Sarah Clarke gives this project 10/10
Here is what Sarah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The range of experiences afforded by Sam and Mo at MEF. There was actually very little work linked to the elephants but I did enjoy the other aspects e.g. gardening; teaching English and painting an orphanage.
Also, the people in Sri Lanka were so friendly and welcoming. Mo and Sam were wonderful too and a true inspiration to us all.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Talking to Sam! Hearing all about the sacrifices she has made to do something she believes in so passionately was awe inspiring.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't expect to spend too much time working with elephants but embrace the variety of experiences.
Take time to talk to all the different people you meet - everyone has their own personal and inspirational story to tell.
Find out exactly what is needed by the community in advance of leaving and do some fund raising activities before you go. Resources are limited so think about sending specific equipment over.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A wealth of fabulous experiences!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Knowing that we would be expected to teach English and sending resources out in advance.
Georgina Auld gives this project 10/10
Here is what Georgina had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the Elephants and meeting new people!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) Embrace every chance you get to see the country and do new things out of your comfort zone!
2) Don't worry!
3)Enjoy every minute of it!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The best thing you could do with your gap year!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
More communication from i-to-i, they didn't give you much information on what you can do when your out they're, such as helping with dogstar and teaching! That would have given you a heads up, and know what to expect!
Rachel Tyrrell gives this project 10/10
Here is what Rachel had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
working with the elephants, meeting other volunteers and gaining future friends, teaching children, seeing the country
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
memorable, enjoyable, educational, inspirational, thought-provoking, humbling, life changing
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
no
kirsten rolph gives this project 9/10
Here is what kirsten had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlight of my trip was on the last day riding the elephant i'd been looking after during my saty and getting a shower of her.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It just showed me how different this country is to england and adjusting to their way of life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be prepared for the bugs, take lots of repellent and just enjoy yourself.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing experience that has been so much fun and meeting such nice people.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If i wasn't on my own on the first week but by the second week there were other volunteers which made it better.
ann o'reilly gives this project 8/10
Here is what ann had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The Sri Lankan people are beautiful - kind, happy, grateful, friendly, helpful. They don't have a lot, but they don't complain, and are always willing to help.
The other volunteers were all so interesting - in so many ways.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
How people are so different - even from the same country and similar backrounds.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take vests and shorts to the elephant project - it is accetable!
Offer to teach the Mahouts (elephant keepers) English. They are poor and not well educated, and some feel as if they are left out, as volunteers teach English in the local community. Early evening is a good time to spend with the Mahouts.
Small gifts i.e. crayons, pencils etc are very much appreciated and the Mahouts were very grateful for the clothing I left behind for them to work in.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A humbling experience, in a beautiful country with gorgeous people.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
As my first time volunteering I would not have changed anything.
