Description

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise and its lush jungles are home to some of the world's most exotic plants and animals. Taking a gap year in Sri Lanka is an opportunity to see some of these firsthand, but for a more intimate wildlife experience, volunteer on this animal conservation project!

Gap year volunteer role: This conservation volunteer project gives you the chance to volunteer in two exciting wildlife centres in Sri Lanka. Volunteers can work in Dehiwala Zoological Gardens in Colombo and Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage further inland.

Pinnawela is a truly unique animal reserve where gap year conservation volunteers can help staff to care for orphaned elephants in 24 acres of stunning tropical landscape. Volunteer work can include cleaning elephant enclosures, assisting in landscaping work in the gardens and supporting behaviour enrichment programmes with the elephants.

Gap year volunteers at Dehiwala Zoo support local staff in a similar role, but with over 3000 animals and 350 species in captivity, it offers a fantastic opportunity to experience every aspect of wildlife conservation.

Highlights

This animal conservation project is ideal for animal lovers and anyone interested in ecological issues. Dehiwala Zoo and Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage are leading conservation organisations and as a volunteer in Sri Lanka you can gain a real insight into what it takes to protect endangered animals and ecosystems.

Pinnawela is recognised world-wide and is home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Since 1984 it has managed to breed over 20 elephants in captivity. By volunteering on this conservation volunteer project you can be a part of this success.

What makes this wildlife conservation project special is that both centres care for animals in genuine need. Orphaned elephants struggle to survive without their mothers and the zoo houses many endangered species, so this can be an incredibly worthwhile gap year experience.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary, but volunteers should have an interest in conservation and wildlife.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for more information

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

All our Sri Lanka volunteer projects include a one week induction, which is your first step towards making the most of your gap year! This is an action packed and fun-filled week that lets you get to know the Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture firsthand. You will get time to meet local people, taste local cuisine and familiarize yourself with Sri Lankan customs.

The introduction week takes place in Kandy and is included in the price of conservation projects lasting 3 weeks or longer. To find out more please speak to a GapGuru advisor.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

What it means to be a GapGuru Volunteer The answer depends on what you are prepared to put into it. No matter how old you are, Gapping equates to Growing. Becoming a GapGuru Volunteer means you'll be able to look back and say, 'Wow! I'm really glad I did that!' When you volunteer, you truly give. From the first day, you'll see how much the people truly need your help. And every day you're there, you'll be able to get a sense of making a difference. You'll expand your mind and widen your experience. You'll increase all kinds of skills and discover new abilities you never knew you had. A Gap that is structured and planned for maximum benefits will impress your future employers as well as your future instructors and lecturers. GapGuru Volunteers help, teach and lead in areas as diverse as wildlife conservation, music, mobile schools, and medical care.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.