Keen to become best mates with one of the most amazing animals on Earth?
Picture this: you, Sri Lanka, and elephants. Big, gentle giants, that’ll melt your heart in seconds. Sadly, many of these legends have been through a lot, like back-breaking labour in the logging industry, harsh domestication, or poor treatment in tourism. But thanks to an incredible local organisation, they’re finally getting the care, love, and rest they deserve. And that’s where you come in!
As a volunteer, you’ll help give these beautiful elephants the life they’ve earned. From splashing around at bath time to prepping their daily vitamins (yep, they’ve got their own supplement routine), you’ll be hands-on from the get-go. You’ll also pitch in with day-to-day project tasks like working on the eco-farm. Trust us, your days will be full, but in the best way.
Elephant Project
Care for your very own elephant buddy for the trip. You’ll also support admin tasks, help with fundraising, and assist in maintaining the project site. It’s a brilliant way to support not just the animals, but the local community too.
Eco-Farm
Get your hands dirty in the eco-garden, growing fresh fruit, veggies, and herbs. All local, all chemical-free. These go straight into the meals for elephants and visitors. It’s a proper chance to learn about Sri Lankan farming methods up close.
Mobile Vet Unit (MVU)
Join local vets as they travel across Sri Lanka treating sick elephants in need. It’s a dream gig for animal lovers and an awesome way to explore more of the country. Sometimes the MVU travels hundreds of kilometres to make sure every elephant gets the care it needs.
Every day is a new adventure, from elephant baths and vitamin mixes to garden work and community impact. So, are you ready to give these gentle giants the love they deserve and discover a culture that’ll steal your heart?
You’ll work Monday to Friday, with different tasks each day. There are both morning and evening shifts.
Imke
Ik heb het zo naar mijn zin gehad! Ik zou vrijwilligerswerk echt aan iedereen aanraden!
Damian
Vrijwilligerswerk is voor mij het delen van ervaringen. Hoe meer energie je erin stopt, hoe meer voldoening je er ook uit kan halen.
Marlous
Echt een geweldige ervaring en een top tijd gehad!
Kristel en Zoé
Hoe dan ook smaakt dit avontuur naar meer en hopen we in de toekomst nog met vrijwillig wereldwijd te kunnen reizen.
You’ll volunteer Monday to Friday, mainly in the mornings and evenings, for around 6 hours a day.
There are about 10 permanent staff members at the project. You’ll also be working alongside other international volunteers most of the time.
English is spoken at this project. In general, English is spoken reasonably well in Sri Lanka, so you’ll be able to get by comfortably.
This project runs all year round.
You’ll stay on site at the project.
No transport is needed for this project as you’ll be living directly at the site.
If you’ve got a little extra room in your luggage and would like to bring something for the project, they’ll greatly appreciate it. Feel free to check with us beforehand to find out what kind of supplies would be most useful.
Harsha will meet you at the airport.
Take a look at the additional trips available to see how you can spend your free time. We’ve got some fantastic excursions lined up for you. Since you’re already in such a stunning location, it’s well worth exploring more of the country.
In Sri Lanka, your local contact is Harsha. He speaks excellent English and coordinates all the volunteer projects. You can ask him anything about your trip, and he’ll be there to support you while you're on location. Harsha is a fantastic coordinator. Here’s a photo of him with his son and wife.
For this project, we're looking for volunteers with a passion for animal welfare and conservation. You’ll support the care and protection of rescued elephants, working alongside a dedicated local organisation.
This project is suitable for volunteers of all ages.
Passion for Animal Welfare
A genuine enthusiasm for the care and protection of elephants is essential. Experience with animal care is a bonus, but not required.
Initiative and Proactivity
Being able to work independently and take initiative is important. You'll help with tasks such as preparing food and medicine.
Patience and Empathy
It’s vital to be understanding and patient, especially when working with rescued elephants who may have endured trauma.
Cultural Sensitivity
Respecting local customs and traditions is key. A willingness to learn from the local culture is a must.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Conditions in Sri Lanka can vary, so being flexible and adaptable will help you get the most from your experience.
Communication Skills
Good communication is needed to work effectively with local staff and other volunteers.
Team Spirit
Collaboration is essential. A positive attitude and willingness to work together will make your contribution even more valuable.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist with the daily care of elephants, including cleaning their enclosures, administering medication, and helping with educational programs for visitors. You’ll work Monday to Friday, with weekends free for your own activities.
Staying in Sri Lanka offers incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories.
If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, and ready to commit to a rewarding and meaningful experience, this elephant project in Sri Lanka could be the perfect fit. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of these incredible animals.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteering: $1129
2 weeks of volunteering: $1699
3 weeks of volunteering: $2199
For each additional week: $399
*All prices are in AUD.
Before You Go
Online introduction call
Info pack with details on Sri Lankan culture, customs, and all your pre-departure preparations including insurance, money matters, and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Support in obtaining your Police Check (VOG)
Access to the online volunteer community
Help with your visa application
Assistance booking your flight (on request)
During Your Trip
Airport pickup and transfer to the project site
Local orientation on arrival
Support with visa extensions (if needed)
Ongoing guidance throughout your stay
Accommodation with our local contact
Three meals a day
After Your Trip
End-of-trip reflection session
Certificate (on request)
Option to stay involved through our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police Check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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