Our elephant volunteer project in Sri Lanka offers you a truly unique, hands-on elephant experience.

Upon arrival you will be introduced to your elephant and its mahout, you'll be with this elephant for the duration of you stay which allows you to form a close relationship. Each day you will undertake the tasks necessary to look after your elephant and ensure its health and well being needs are all being met.

The relationship between the elephant and it's mahout is one built of trust and respect. During your time with us you will get to experience how this relationship is formed and be taught some of the more basic mahout skills such as stop, walk, lie down, lift and salute. You will work closely with your elephants' mahout as he teaches you the spoken language, body language and use of the mahout tools. Once confident, your mahout will allow you to single handedly control your elephant (whilst always being on hand to step in if needed) an experience not many people will have enjoyed.

Inspire will also provide you with education about the Asian elephant – including anatomy, health signs, body language, elephant control points, musth and reproduction. We will also discuss threats to the Asian elephant, what's happening in Sri Lanka and how you can support the conservation of these critically endangered animals.

Inspire also support the work of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) --if you are planning to be in Sri Lanka for four weeks or more we can arrange for you to spend time supporting the excellent projects of the SLWCS at their base in Wasgomuwa. You will be able to monitor wild elephants, help support the human elephant conflict projects and also go leopard spotting!

All of this intertwined with working on our eco farm and helping disadvantaged children with their understanding of English - we hope you agree that this is really an experience not to be missed!

Please visit our Contact us page to enquire about availability.