Nil Manel: Elephant Project in Sri Lanka

These beautiful creatures hold symbolic, cultural and economic importance in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan elephants are now on the official endangered species list; they face a great number of threats and, unfortunately, their population is said to have fallen by almost 65% since the turn of the 19th Century. The main threats these animals face is habitat loss, ivory poaching and illegal capture. Elephants will also cause significant damage to crops and properties of rural farmers, and as retaliation, they are often killed.

Today, the Sri Lankan elephant is protected under the Sri Lankan law and killing one carries the death penalty. At the Nil Manel Foundation Elephant Project, volunteers will assist locals with essential care for these elephants. Tasks include cleaning and grooming the elephants, cleaning and organizing their living areas, treating any injuries they may have and walking them from their nesting areas to the cleaning station.