Keen to become best mates with one of the most incredible animals on the planet? Join our Elephant Conservation Project in Sri Lanka and volunteer alongside gentle giants who are as kind, caring and intelligent as they are impressive.
Sadly, many elephants have suffered from years of abuse, whether through forced labour in the logging industry or exploitation in unethical tourism. That’s why we partner with a local elephant conservation centre that rescues and rehabilitates elephants, giving them a second chance at life.
The project is always on the lookout for passionate volunteers to help provide the best possible care for these beautiful animals and support the day-to-day running of the conservation site. The elephants are looked after by a dedicated team of local staff, and as a volunteer, you'll need to commit to a minimum of two weeks.
Tasks at the project vary depending on the needs of the day, but may include:
You’ll volunteer from Monday to Friday, with a mix of morning and afternoon shifts. Each day will look a little different, depending on what the elephants and the team need. No two days look the same!
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 work Monday to Friday, mainly in the mornings and evenings, approximately 6 hours per day.
There are around 10 permanent staff at the project. You’ll also be working alongside other volunteers most of the time.
English is spoken at this project. In general, English is spoken quite well in Sri Lanka, so you’ll be able to get by just fine using English.
This project runs all year round.
You’ll live directly at the project site.
No transport is required for this project, as you’ll be living on site.
If you’ve got some extra space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, they’ll really appreciate it. Have a chat with us to find out what items would be most useful.
Harsha will pick you up from the airport.
Check out our optional trips to see all the amazing things you can do in your free time. Since you’re already in such a beautiful country, it’s a great opportunity to explore more of it.
Your local contact in Sri Lanka is Harsha. He speaks good English and coordinates all the volunteer projects. You can ask him anything about your trip, and he’ll be there to support you throughout your stay. Harsha is an excellent point of contact. Here’s a photo of him with his son and wife.
For this project, we are looking for volunteers with a passion for animal welfare and nature conservation. You’ll assist in the care and protection of rescued elephants in collaboration with a local organisation.
This project is suitable for volunteers of all ages.
Affinity with Animal Welfare: A genuine interest in the care and protection of elephants is essential. Experience in animal care is a bonus but definitely not required.
Initiative and Proactivity: Being able to work independently and take initiative is important. You’ll help organise and carry out various tasks, such as preparing food and administering medications.
Patience and Empathy: Being understanding and patient is key when working with rescued elephants.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local customs and traditions, and a willingness to learn from the local culture.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being flexible and adaptable is important due to the varying conditions in Sri Lanka.
Communication Skills: Good communication skills are helpful for working with local staff and other volunteers.
Team Spirit: Teamwork is essential. A positive attitude and willingness to collaborate with others are highly valued.
As a volunteer, you’ll help with the daily care of elephants, cleaning their enclosures, administering medication, and supporting educational programs for visitors. You’ll work Monday to Friday, with weekends off for your own activities.
Your stay in Sri Lanka offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
If you have a passion for animal welfare and conservation, and you’re ready to commit to a rewarding yet challenging experience, then this elephant project in Sri Lanka is the perfect fit for you. 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
2 weeks of volunteering: $1649
3 weeks of volunteering: $2349
4 weeks of volunteering: $2899
For each additional week: $549
*All prices are in AUD.
Before Departure
Online introduction meeting
Information pack with details about Sri Lankan culture and customs, along with a full checklist of preparations, including insurance, money matters, and travel tips
Preparation training
Help with obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
Access to the online community
Support with your visa application
Assistance with booking your flight (on request)
During Your Trip
Airport transfer to the project site
On-site orientation
Support with visa extensions (if needed)
Ongoing guidance and assistance throughout your stay
Accommodation with our local contact
Three meals a day
Upon Return
Debriefing/evaluation
Certificate (upon request)
Opportunity to stay connected via our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Travel insurance
Welkom op onze website! Mocht je iets niet kunnen vinden of wil je ons iets vragen stuur dan even een berichtje via WhatsApp. We helpen je gelijk verder!
