Some elephant conservation projects are suitable for families, while others will only be open to adults. It depends on the sanctuary or reserve, the level of support in place and the type of work that needs to be done. Research projects with desert elephants in
Namibia, for example, welcome young conservationists from eight years old, who can get involved with maintenance projects in local schools and patrols which monitor and note wild elephant behaviour. Some sanctuaries in
Thailand allow teenagers aged 14 years and over to work with the elephants, preparing food and scrubbing the elephants down to keep them clean. In
Sri Lanka, there are research projects which are open to children aged 10 years old and above. Your volunteer specialist will be able to advise as to which project will be best suited to your family, but ultimately you know your kids best – will they be happy in basic accommodation – or even remote desert camps where there’s nothing each evening but a campfire and stars?