Elephant Care Relief

Our project's sole purpose is to care for the welfare and well being of domesticated elephants, taking them away from industries that exploit them with cruel practices.

We rent elephants that are made to work in the logging industry, back riding projects, and unethical tourism projects. Forced to work day and night, with limited food and water, chained up when not working, constantly physically abused, these are the conditions they face. We also work with the mahouts (elephant's carers) training them to guide the elephants using kind practices that don't involve shouting and physical abuse.
Rehabilitation can be a lengthy process but it's extremely rewarding to witness the changes in the Mahout-Elephant relationship.

Ours is an all-round approach that ensures we are successful in our long-term objective of giving the elephants a happy life and ensuring they don't pose a threat to the local community.

While making sure the elephants get enough food and water, we also cover the costs of medicines and veterinary care. Mental health is an increasingly important aspect of our project also, making sure that their mind is at ease, living how a wild animal should be living, and cleansing their mind of the torturous practices they have had to face in the past.

We want to serve as an inspiration for others, and we are currently saving towards Amarasiri's dream of buying a massive plot of land, filled with lots of elephants, where elephants could roam as freely as possible. It's a massive endeavor, and can only be achieved by your help.

Help us make it reality and volunteer with us!

You will be welcomed in our home - we are a family of 5.
You will have your own room in a seperate accommodation, but are very welcome to join us at our house for tea/coffee or some games in the evening. We will prepare your meals and are happy to share as much or as little time with you as you'd like. Your happiness, mindest and contentedness is of our highest concern.

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Reviews

5.0
(26 reviews)26

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0
About the experience in: Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Czech Republic

5

This was honestly the most meaningful and beautiful experience I had in Sri Lanka. 🌞 From day one, Neranjan and his father made me feel like part of the family. You can really see how much they the shelter about their domestic elephants and how hard they work to give them the best possible life. As a volunteer, I helped with daily tasks like cleaning the sleeping area, going into the jungle to collect fresh leaves, and feeding Mali bananas. If you're looking for a chance to truly help, don't hesitate to join them. 🫶🏼 It's an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. ❤️ I will be back! 🐘

about 2 months ago


Amarasiri replied

Thank you so much Tero ❤️ :)

About the experience in: Kegalle, Sri Lanka

France

5

My first volunteering experience was truly extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, I felt very welcomed and safe. The hosts are incredibly generous and kind; they love sharing their culture and values. The work I took part in was very rewarding, and their project is genuinely ethical and respectful, which truly reflects how much they the shelter about elephants and their well-being. I had the chance to observe elephants in a unique way, which will remain an unforgettable memory. They really do everything they can to make your stay exceptional, and I am deeply grateful to them. Thank you so much !

6 months ago


Amarasiri replied

Many thanks Liza :))

About the experience in: Kegalle, Sri Lanka

United Kingdom

5

This was such an incredible experience. Through every action you can tell how much they the shelter for the elephants and prioritise their wellbeing; you will definitely walk away from this knowing it is a purely ethical project! They are such welcoming and lovely hosts and will take such great the shelter of you and immerse you in the local culture. Sitting by the riverside with Mali the shelter was so tranquil and beautiful and I will forever savour those moments. Can't recommend it enough! :))

8 months ago


Amarasiri replied

Thank you Lase :)

About the experience in: Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Germany

4

I stayed one week at ECRF and enjoyed spending time with the shelter Mali. Nera and his family do great work, ensuring all of Malis needs are met. The project seems very ethical. Before applying you should know that it doesn't have much to do with volunteering, as there is not much work for the volunteers to do. I kinda felt like I was just financing this project while being on a holiday. So you should be okay with that when you plan on staying there. The only real downside for me was the accommodation. The room was moldy, smelly and the shower didn't work reliably…

9 months ago


Amarasiri replied

Thank you Ronja :)

About the experience in: Kegalle, Sri Lanka

India

5

I stayed a week in Sri Lanka looking after the magnificently adorable the shelter 'Maali'. Amarasiri neranjan, their entire family and their coordinator opened me with warm welcome arms. The stay was comfortable and blessed with amazing authentic Sri Lankan food. Tbh i had no idea what i had signed up for but it turned out way better than expected. To see Maali so up close and understand the cruel reality Sri Lankan elephants are facing, maali stood as a strong voice against the cruelties backed by the lovely ppl at ECR. I would recommend everyone to come and help out.. Cheers

9 months ago


Amarasiri replied

Thank you Sid :)


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals