Volunteer with your family to conserve elephants in Sri Lanka

To all budding wildlife conservationists and their families!  We are offering a family elephant conservation volunteer programme in Sri Lanka.

This elephant family programme has been designed to get the whole family involved in wildlife research, conservation and community outreach programmes. It is suitable for all ages and skill levels and it offers hands-on activities that promote understanding and appreciation of wildlife and local culture, fostering sustainable conservation efforts.

We are offering families a one week (7 day/6 night) programme which includes:

1. Elephant Conservation & Observation

• Collecting data on elephant behaviour and movement.
• Learning about human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies.

2. Wildlife Research & Exploration

• Conducting biodiversity surveys and tracking wildlife signs.
• Working in butterfly sanctuaries and assisting with habitat restoration.

3. Cultural Exchange

• Learning traditional crafts like weaving and Sri Lankan cooking.
• Visiting local villages and engaging with community members.

4. Adventure & Learning

• Sunrise hikes, birdwatching, canoeing and nature walks.
• Night experiences in jungle tree huts, exploring nocturnal wildlife.
• These activities will be alongside interesting and interactive presentations throughout the week as well.

Why choose this programme?

Families contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while experiencing Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. The programme fosters environmental stewardship and global citizenship in children and adults alike.

Benefits include:

• Supporting conservation of endangered species (elephants, sloth bears, leopards, pangolins, golden palm civet cats).
• Contributing to local community economic development initiatives.
• Understanding elephant behaviour and aiding conservation efforts.
• Helping to establish Sri Lanka’s first Wildlife Conservancy.
• Participating in local culture, cuisine, sports, and games.
• Learning news skills like using a compass, GPS, field guides, and more as part of a family adventure game.

For any children wanting to make presentations when they get back to school, this programme offers a great educational experience.

Free Time

Families are encouraged to head off after the volunteer programme to other parts of Sri Lanka for onward travel and holidays if there is time!  Sri Lanka offers so much for families including stunning white beaches, whale watching, surfing, cultural and historic sites, snorkelling and diving, tea plantations, visiting sea turtle hatcheries and more.

Sri Lankans are known for their friendliness and warmth, making it easy for families to feel welcome and comfortable.

For a detailed itinerary on how the Family volunteering elephant programme week looks broken down by activities, hour by hour each day, you can download a PDF here:

WA Sri Lanka Elephant programme family full Itinerary

Any further questions, please contact us at Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com