Sri Lanka – The Sanctuary Volunteer Experience
Where: Medirigiriya, Sri Lanka
Dates: Opportunities available year round. Rainy season is December to April.
Please Note: This Program is currently on hold until further notice.
Price: $300 USD for one week. $250 USD per extra week. (shared accommodations)
Volunteer at The Sanctuary, a place where the elephants are free to roam the land, as it is their home! These animals are treated with respect, so this means no riding the elephants, as any elephant must be “broken” to follow human command. These beautiful and impressive creatures deserve the best, which is what The Sanctuary strives to give them.
When you are a volunteer you have the opportunity to play an important role at The Sanctuary, contributing to the daily running and future development. You will help with the daily care of the elephant(s) working under the direction of the elephant’s mahout and with other volunteers, you will be required to assist with the elephant(s) feeding, cleaning and bathing throughout your stay and hopefully build a special relationship with the elephant(s)!
What could be better than spending an incredible day up close and personal with the elephant and knowing you have come to a place where elephants receive ethical animal friendly treatment. During your time at The Sanctuary you can learn about elephants in a respectful manner and when you stay longer you can contribute to the daily running and future development of the elephant sanctuary.
When you volunteer you go beyond the usual tourism experience!
Volunteer Activities:
- Help prepare the food and feed the elephant(s)
- Walk through the beautiful property alongside the elephant
- Scoop elephant poo plus a variety of tasks related to elephant care
- Help tend the eco-garden and grow food to feed the elephant(s)
- Help with maintaining the outside project area and the accommodations
- Provide assistance to improve the project and implement new ideas
Why Support The Sanctuary – Home for Elephants
Elephants are their number one priority and they give them the best life they can. Their Sri Lankan elephant is free to roam on their large property. At The Sanctuary they have everything Asian elephants need to feel right at home; a paddy field to get down and dirty, lots of greenery to eat, many trees to enjoy shade and a good scrub and a great river to play and bathe. The area is beautiful and very peaceful. This really is an elephant paradise!
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is found in southeast Asia surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, unique wildlife, rolling surf, fun trains, famous tea, and an ideal tropical climate are what you can find in this incredible destination. For such a small island nation, Sri Lanka has so much to offer making it a destination suited for everyone. It is home to 8 Unesco World Heritage Sites, amazing National Parks, white sand beaches, tranquil tea plantations in the hills, and some of the best surf and scuba diving locations in the world.
As far as exploring before or after your volunteer experience, the possibilities are countless. Travelling throughout the country is very inexpensive, easy to get around, and often uncrowded. Make sure you have time before and after your volunteer experience to go out and explore!
- Walk through the beautiful area alongside the elephant you are caring for
- Help grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs in the eco-garden
- Learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan dishes with other volunteers
- Help with the improvement of the project by brainstorming ideas and making your mark!
Price Includes:
- Shared Accommodation
- All meals during the trip subject to arrival and departure times
- Domestic travel related to volunteer services
- Information session on safety around elephants
- On-site English speaking coordinator
Price Does Not Include:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Additional activities
- Snacks
Volunteers will be staying in a shared room at a homestay owned by a very warm and welcoming couple (Upgrading to a double room is possible). Their is a new building onsite to house the volunteers.
Rooms have attached modern bathrooms with a western style toilet. Bed sheets, cupboard space, towels, mosquito nets, purified drinking water, and toilet paper is provided. The house also has wifi, a washing machine, and homely seating areas.