Volunteer with Elephants: Elephant Conser­va­tion Work

Support our elephant conservation volunteer programs: As a volunteer in one of our elephant projects you dedicate yourself to the protection of the endangered giants and experience an unforgettable volunteer adventure abroad – as part of your sabbatical, a gap year or simply as a nature lover looking for a meaningful time out in the wild.

Volunteer abroad with elephants and contribute to protecting and conserving the gentle giants as a voluntary helper in one of our elephant aid projects in Southern Africa – and spend an exceptional and inspiring time abroad, surrounded by incomparable landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

Massive, awe-inspiring, highly intelligent – and considered as endangered. Elephants are truly impressive and encountering one of these giant mammals is a deep, magical and unforgettable experience. Even though they almost don’t have any natural enemies, they are increasingly facing great threats to their existence.

Nowadays, almost anywhere in the world, elephants die faster than they reproduce. This is true for the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), the largest living terrestrial mammal, for the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) as well as for the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Meanwhile, all three species are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Why elephant conservation

Poaching and habitat loss are the two main reasons for the strong decline in the populations of these fascinating mammals. Each day, almost 100 elephants die in Africa due to illegal hunting. The poachers focus on the tusks. Their ivory is mainly smuggled to East Asia where the predominantly illegal trade with the bloody goods is blooming.

Another severe problem: The so-called human-wildlife-conflict. In Africa as well as in Asia, the gentle giants’ natural habitats increasingly overlap with the ones of human populations. As both parties want to secure land and food resources for themselves, often fatal conflicts are the result.

Volunteer opportunities with elephants

African elephant volunteer programs

Volunteering with elephants in Zambia, South Africa or Namibia – in many African countries, you can get involved in saving elephants through volunteer work.

Volunteer work with elephants in Namibia:
As a Volunteer in our Elephant Project in Namibia, you are actively involved in mitigating the human-wildlife-conflict in the country's impressive Damaraland by creating a balance which meets the needs of both humans and animals. You support locals in building protective walls around their wells and in making new water sources accessible to native elephants – important steps to help contain the human-elephant-conflict. Furthermore, you monitor the elephants to collect data about their movement patterns and way of living. This way, you gain interesting insights, helpful in developing specific conservation strategies for elephants.

African elephant conservation in Zambia:
Another way to help endangered elephants in Africa is to volunteer at our Species Conservation Project with orphaned elephants as an elephant sanctuary volunteer in Zambia. You can either become active in an Elephant Nursery near Lusaka, which ensures 24/7 care of orphaned elephants, or support the animals' release process in awe-inspiring Kafue National Park. Both of them are outstanding opportunities to gain insight into real species conser­va­tion – you can also combine them.

Elephant conservatin in South Africa:
Another way to get involved as a volunteer in elephant conservation is through our Species Conservation Project in Zululand, our Siyafunda Monitoring Project, or the Marataba Conservation Project. All three projects take place in South Africa and focus on wildlife monitoring and population tracking. In addition to elephants, you will also have the opportunity to track other endangered species such as rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs.

Best elephant volunteer programs

What distinguishes Natucate from others: We do not offer any projects in elephant sanctuaries that allow direct interaction with the animals – since many of these camps and parks turn out to be highly unethical, using harmful practices. We at Natucate want you to walk beside elephants – not to ride them.

Volunteer work with elephants – a unique hands-on experience abroad and a valuable contribution to wildlife conservation. You would like to help elephants in Africa and Asia, learn about conservation strategies for the impressive animals and immerse yourself into pristine landscapes and a new culture? Then contact our team at Natucate. We answer all of your questions and provide you with useful information regarding how and where to volunteer with elephants, requirements as a project participant and what to expect on site as an elephant volunteer in Africa.

FAQ – Volunteering with Elephants

1. Why is elephant conservation so important today?

Elephants are under severe threat: poaching and habitat loss mean they are dying faster than they can reproduce worldwide. African and Asian elephants are listed on the Red List of endangered species, and human-wildlife conflicts further exacerbate the situation.

2. What opportunities are there for volunteering with elephants?

You can volunteer with us in Africa, specifically in Namibia, South Africa, or Zambia. Tasks include monitoring herds, supporting conservation measures, assisting in elephant sanctuaries, and conducting research on elephant habitats and behaviour.

3. What will I learn while volunteering with elephants?

You will gain practical experience in wildlife conservation, learn how to manage human-wildlife conflicts, gain insights into scientific data collection, and understand how long-term conservation projects are implemented.

4. Do I need prior experience or special qualifications?

No, prior experience is usually not required. Motivation, an interest in conservation, a sense of responsibility, and a willingness to participate actively in projects are the key requirements.

5. How do Natucate’s projects differ from other elephant programmes?

Natucate offers only ethical projects without direct commercial contact with the animals. You work exclusively in reputable research and conservation projects that benefit the elephants and their habitats, while respecting the natural distance to wild animals.

6. How long can I volunteer with elephants?

Depending on the project, volunteers can work abroad for a few weeks up to a year or longer. The duration depends on your personal goals and the specific project organisation.