Elephants
Elephants
Elephants
Elephants
Elephants
Elephants
Elephants

Volunteer With Elephants


You can volunteer with elephants on one of our fantastic conservation projects in the 'emerald isle' of Sri Lanka, the stark deserts of Namibia, and the wilds of the Bornean rainforest to help preserve these enchanting giants. 

Both the Asiatic and African elephants have become somewhat of a problem in these continents due to conflict with villagers. They tend to cause damage to crops and villages in their search for food and water as elephant habitat becomes more and more fragmented due to logging, human development and more. This results in human-elephant conflict, which can often be fatal for both elephants and people. When you volunteer with elephants, you will play a pivotal role in helping to reduce this sad trend.

The elephant volunteer programs we have on offer are designed to create a sustainable future for all, where elephant populations can thrive, and humans can share their habitat peacefully without their two worlds colliding. The only way to achieve this is with budding conservationists taking action and volunteering to help the elephants! These projects truly are life changing and will open your eyes to the plight of the elephant. You will walk away with a plethora of life-long memories, all whilst knowing you have made a true difference to the preservation of such a magnificent species. So, if you're looking for volunteer opportunities with elephants, then look no further!

The Great Projects' elephant volunteer programs present you with opportunities to witness these fascinating animals up close in their natural habitat, assess human-elephant conflicts alongside local communities and help them to develop sustainable livelihood strategies and so much more. Make friends for life and have the once in a lifetime opportunity of volunteering with elephants by securing your place on a project today!

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Elephants At A Glance

ENDANGERED STATUS
Asian – Endangered, African - Vulnerable
NUMBER REMAINING IN THE WILD
Asian -40,000 – 50,000, African – 470,000
ENDEMIC REGION
Africa and Asia

How Endangered Are Elephants

The African elephant numbered 3-5 million at the turn of the last century and since then their numbers have dropped significantly. Throughout the 1980’s it was estimated that up to 100,000 elephants were killed each year. Asian elephant numbers are falling rapidly, currently showing no signs of recovery. As there are only 40,000-50,000 Asian elephants remaining in the wild, it will take a concerted effort to reverse this trend and ensure the numbers increase. Almost 30% of the remaining Asian elephants are held in captivity, and many are subject to abuse and neglect. Elephant volunteer programs are one of the best ways to help the giants of the animal kingdom, as even though humans have been the cause of many of the problems for elephants, we can also create the solution. We need to increase elephant conservation efforts, and by becoming a volunteer with elephants you can be a part of this!

Threats elephants are facing

Elephants are facing threats from a number of different sources. Becoming a volunteer with elephants can make a real difference. The main threats are:

  • Habitat Loss – as more and more of the elephant’s homeland is taken by humans for various uses, the elephant population is forced into an increasingly smaller area with less food and water.
  • Illegal Ivory Trade – the demand for ivory from elephant’s tusks is the biggest driver of elephant poaching, and the demand for ivory in the Far East shows no signs of easing up.
  • Human-Elephant Conflict – as humans encroach on elephant land, the two parties often come into conflict. The elephants very rarely come out on top.

 

Fast Facts
  • Elephants have the longest pregnancy of all animals. It takes a female 22 months from conception to give birth.
  • Elephants are capable of human-like emotions such as feeling loss, grieving, and even crying. They remember and mourn their loved ones, even many years after their death. When the "Elephant Whisperer" Lawrence Anthony died, a herd of elephants arrived at his house to mourn him.
  • The trunk of an elephant is made up of more than 40,000 muscles in it.
Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987

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©2023 The Great Projects.