Snake Rescue Volunteering in Sri Lanka

• Assisting snake guard on rescues: Accompanying the snake guard during rescues involves actively participating in the process of safely locating, capturing, and relocating snakes from populated areas to their natural habitat. Volunteers assist in handling equipment, identifying snake species, and ensuring the safety of both the snakes and the surrounding environment throughout the rescue mission.

• Releasing snakes into the Wilpattu National Park: This entails carefully transporting rescued snakes to Wilpattu National Park and releasing them back into their natural habitat. Volunteers assist in ensuring the snakes are safely reintroduced to their environment, contributing to the preservation of the park's ecosystem and the well-being of the snakes.

• Scientific research involvement: Observe birds, and elephants, and study local flora/fauna.: This involvement encompasses actively observing bird behaviours, and elephant movements, and studying the diverse flora and fauna native to the region. Volunteers contribute to ongoing research efforts, gaining valuable insights into the local ecosystem's dynamics.

• Wilpattu safari: Enjoy guided safari at Wilpattu National Park: Wilpattu safari offers volunteers the opportunity to embark on a guided expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Wilpattu National Park. Led by experienced guides, participants can observe wildlife in their natural habitat, gaining a deeper appreciation for the park's biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Throughout the placement, volunteers aren’t tourists in Sri Lanka; they'll be residents. Sharing a house, room, and facilities with teammates, living with a local family provides the chance to truly immerse themselves and become integral to the community. The homestay, situated in the same area where they work, offers basic but comfortable accommodations during the week.

The homestay is located in an attractive rural environment, prompting volunteers to venture out on Friday afternoons to spend weekends embracing culture and comfort. 

Whether they fancy spending time on beaches or scaling some of the world's most impressive cultural sites, the weekend holds endless possibilities, while their homestay family enjoys well-deserved time off with friends and family.

Homestays also include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays and dinner on Sundays. During, the weekend they can enjoy as they wish, being an opportunity to explore various local restaurants.

Volunteers can feel free to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka during their weekends, where they'll encounter breathtaking beaches, landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and more. While we don't organize activities during this time off, our local staff members and coordinators are ready to provide invaluable assistance in arranging travel around Sri Lanka, (a natural paradise in Asia.)

For those staying with host families, there's the opportunity to engage in various rituals and cultural activities that are part of Sri Lankan home life. Wander through streets and markets, embark on hikes or cycling adventures, and connect with local residents to deal deeper into their culture and traditions. 

Some must-visit places in Sri Lanka include Nuwara Eliya and its Tea Plantations, Colombo city area, Mirissa, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Great Adam's Peak, Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, Galle with its Dutch Fort, Whale Safari, and Yala National Park (home to the Asian Elephant and Leopard).

Upon volunteers' arrival in Sri Lanka, they will be welcomed by a seasoned team of in-country field staff. This dedicated team consists of mature, educated, and socially respected individuals with a strong commitment to humanitarian work, boasting extensive experience in collaborating with international volunteers.

The main point of contact for volunteers will be the in-country coordinator. This individual takes charge of organizing airport transfers, arranging accommodations and meals, providing a comprehensive orientation covering culture, safety, and service work, facilitating introductions to host families and project staff, and conducting periodic visits and calls to monitor progress. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out to the coordinator at any time for questions, concerns, or advice, and the coordinator will gladly offer assistance.