Description

Many young elephants, lost or abandoned by their mothers, are housed by the elephant orphanages in Sri Lank - where the elephants are fed, nursed, and taken care of. Like human children, these elephants also need love, care, and attention.

The elephant orphanage centers are lacking in resources and need more volunteers to join them in providing good care for the growing elephants. This project is a rare opportunity for volunteers who are interested in working with elephants. The giant but innocent animal' sanctuaries are located near lush green forests and idyllic scenery.

Volunteer Work:

You will work as assistants to the "mahouts" (elephant handlers), getting involved in the following tasks:

* Bathing the elephants in the river twice a day
* Cleaning out and maintaining their enclosures in the morning
* Washing and feeding the baby elephants
* other assistance in construction or maintenance work (as needed)

Some work, such as the mental stimulation of the elephants, is usually left to the initiative of the volunteers with some guidance from the "mahouts"

Highlights

The elephant orphanage project is located in Kegalle, a small beautiful town about 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country. This popular tourist attraction was established as a sanctuary, covering 25 acres of lush forest, by the Sri Lanka Government in 1975. Recently the sanctuary has also started a breeding program. The orphanage is accessible from Colombo by car, bus, or train.

Qualifications

Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications to volunteer in elephant orphanage projects. But, volunteers should have a deep love for animals.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

visit website for details

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Restoration
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

All ages

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48hrs

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Maasai International Challenge Africa (MICA)'s Mission Statement

MICATZ promotes local organizations by making donations and sending volunteers to different destination around Africa, Asia and Latin America states. Our volunteers are active community workers. They support the programs and activities of partner organizations by undertaking a variety of jobs and responsibilities such as working in orphanages, teaching English in Primary schools and in Secondary Schools, Teaching life skills, working as community health workers or assisting administratively.

Year Founded

2007