In this program, Cooperating Volunteers volunteers will work at an elephant conservation center that cares for these animals from different perspectives.
In the morning, volunteers will participate in the elephant orphanage activities. In the evening, the elephants will consume all the leaves provided in their stables. Therefore, the volunteers’ initial tasks include collecting uneaten leftovers and assisting with cleaning the enclosures. Volunteers will also help prepare the elephants’ meals and gather leaves and plants for their consumption throughout the day and night.
All of these tasks are done under the supervision of a “mahout”, a professional elephant keeper.
Following a lunch break, volunteers can relax as they watch the elephants bathe and play in the river. Twice a week, volunteers will assist in bathing domesticated elephants in the river at a private center next to the elephant orphanage.
The volunteer program operates from Monday to Friday. Additionally, if volunteers are interested, they can also provide English classes to local children aged 10 years or younger. Each class lasts for one-and-a-half hours, and takes place in one of the houses in the community.
Example of a day at the elephant volunteer program:
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Work in the elephant orphanage
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Lunch break
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Elephant bathing or meditation
*Approximate times
Location: Rambukkana (minimum stay 1 week)
