Elephant Conservation Volunteer Project, Sri Lanka

Overview

The Elephant Conservation volunteer project in Sri Lanka was established to prevent further conflicts between elephants and local villagers, who are continuously struggling to live on decreasing space in the the areas adjacent to the Wasgamuwa national park. The project works for the conservation of wildlife in the forest reserves bordering the park and to protect the livelihood of the local communities.

Testimonial

“I felt very much at home at the field house and this is due to the lovely staff, great food and the friendly atmosphere. I have learnt a lot about the elephant and human conflict in Sri Lanka and will make sure I make people aware of the problems when I return home. I also had the opportunity to teach English in the local school which was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone!”

Beth Standish, UK

About Elephant Conservation

Learn about some of the different reasons elephants are struggling around the World in this blog celebrating elephants on World Elephant Day. From elephant rides for tourism purposes or increasing human-wildlife conflicts, elephants in Africa and Asia are fighting for their survival in the wild.

Highlights

Volunteers get to live in the heart of a rural village in Sri Lanka alongside wildlife such as elephants, tropical birds and the elusive small cats that hide in the dark. Volunteers will work on important human-wildlife mitigation efforts that will contribute to the further conservation of several wildlife species.

Location

The project takes place in Wasgamuwa located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The volunteer field house is situated on a hill by the south-eastern boundary of the Pussellayaya village in Wasgamuwa and overlooks a scenic and dynamic tapestry of rural and remote Sri Lanka.

Free Time

Volunteers can expect to have at least one day off each week and are free to travel in the local area during this time. There are several interesting opportunities available for day trips, which usually are arranged by the volunteers themselves with advice from the local staff.