Help us care for Sri Lanka's Domesticated Elephant's

Portugal

5

My time in the shelter was exactly what I wanted my experience to be. I was able to learn about elephants in Sri Lanka and feel I was really contributing for their well-being. And, at the same time, I had the opportunity to meet both local and international people. The hosts and the team are very nice people and try their best to make you feel comfortable. They will show you around and teach you about their culture. Last but not least, the project is a really beautiful and meaningful. The work they do for the elephants is incredible. I'm very happy I was part of it! :)

4 months ago

Italy

5

This is a great experience to get in touch with locals in a non touristic area and learn about elephants conditions in sri lanka. Amarasiri and Nera just want the best for you! All the ECRF staff is really nice and you won't have any problem and if you will, they will help you anyway. So just be open, respectful and book for this experience!

5 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thank you Andrea ;)

Netherlands

5

Nera and his family were extremely welcoming in every way! Their first priority is to make sure the volunteers are comfortable. I slept at an hotel across the street of the family's house. The room was primitive, but had all I needed. Lots of the shelter projects call themselves 'ethical', but this one really was! They rent elephants away from where they are exploited and let them roam around freely in the woods and live their best life. Tourists can come and watch the elephants from a distance, but the shelter decides when and where to go, we only follow. Thx for the best experience!

5 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thank you so much Lara:)

Germany

5

I really enjoyed my stay. The familiy put all their time and love into their project and the shelter Mali (Number of elephants depends on donation from visitors and volunteers) If you want to learn about elephants, their Story in Sri Lanka and the surrounding then is this the right place to stay. If you are expecting to touch and hug the giant animals, you should go to an unethical tourist spot. But the shelter is in her natural way most beautiful anyways. I loved the mornings walking in the forest and observing Mali in the River. The education day was very interesting too. The familiy lovely.

6 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thanks you Johanna, have a nice time!💕

France

4

It was a great experience with great values, the whole team was very welcoming and took great the shelter to ensure we were happy. I really felt like I was on holiday and that I was only financing the project, even though we helped out from time to time. It was a wonderful time with the team and the elephants. I would recommend

6 months ago

United Kingdom

3

The shelter got instructed to lay in the river & didn't move for hours whilst the tourists fed, touch, bathe the shelter - I was told by almost everybody in Sri Lanka that this is extremely unethical and cruel for the shelter however the nice host family insisted the shelter is rescued from harsh conditions. the shelter does get fed well. As I am not well educated on this topic I was conflicted and decided to leave early, losing a lot of money. Just do your research and ask questions before joining, also Worldpackers has a minimum of 1 week but you can sign up for 1 day online

7 months ago

Italy

5

I had an incredible experience with Amari and his family. They are deeply dedicated to improving the lives of domesticated elephants and making a positive impact in their community. Immersing myself in their daily life and witnessing the hard work they put into caring for the elephants was truly inspiring. What I particularly appreciated was the focus on ethical practices, there's no touching the elephants, which makes the experience much more respectful and meaningful. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to connect with nature in an enriching way.

9 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thanks alot Chiara for everything

France

5

It was an incredible experience! We got to spend time with Mali the shelter but always in a respectful way for her, and Amarasiri and his family made everyone feel so welcome. His wife prepared the best meals everyday! We can feel his passion for this project and I think this is very important. I had a great time!

9 months ago

Mexico

5

My first volunteering experience was incredible. I was helping Mali, learn more about the elephants, their lives and behavior, creating a special connection with them and the family I stayed with was very kind, making me feel at home. Amara and Nera were exceptional people; they always looked after me and made me feel safe throughout my stay. The sisters were super fun, making each day very special. The mother cooked us delicious meals, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the local culture. And left me with unforgettable memories

9 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thanks alot for everything Katia

Netherlands

5

This was my first Worldpackers experience and I definitely enjoyed it! Amarasari's family is so welcoming, friendly, and takes good the shelter of you. Helping with their project and Mali the shelter was really fun and educational. It's not a lot of work tho, we had also enough time to do some activities. I also enjoyed playing card games at the end of the day with the other volunteers and Amarasari's kids. Thank you Amarasiri and Nera, wish you all the best.

10 months ago

Amarasiri replied

Thanks alot for everything Issabel

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