25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
Our program is certified by the Sri Lankan government as the only disabled turtle conservation project in the country.
Our program focuses on the rehabilitation of wounded sea turtles by humans, garbage or trash. Sea turtles are found hurt on the beaches in Sri Lanka who are not able to survive on their own in the ocean. Our project rescues these turtles and takes them to the care of our centre under special supervision.
There are 7 species of turtles that live in the world and out of that 5 species of turtles live in the Indian Ocean. Our program breeds and cares for 4 different species of turtles that live in the Indian Ocean: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley.
There are 42 disabled turtles living in the centre and in a separate centre we hatch hundreds of turtle eggs to be released to the ocean when they hatch. The purpose of this organization is not for commercial interest but to give these marine animals an opportunity to survive in a safe and healthy environment.
The aim of this project is to conserve turtles by directly taking care of the turtles, enhancing awareness among fishermen and the communities regarding turtle conservation and increasing the number of turtles in the ocean by releasing baby hatchlings to the sea.
Participants with open injuries in their hands should not work with turtles as infections may occur. The coordinators have a lot of experience in caring for these animals, so we ask to follow every instruction knowing it is in the turtle's best interest.
Objectives
- The aim of this project is to conserve turtles by directly taking care of the turtles, enhancing awareness among fishermen and the communities regarding turtle conservation and increasing the number of turtles in the ocean by releasing baby hatchlings to the sea.
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka
Ambalangoda is a coastal town located in the Galle District, of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This little town by the ocean is a sweaty, workaday town, and not touristy. Ambalangoda is known as a Buddhist city in Sri lanka. Ambalangoda is the place where "Masks" originated in Sri Lanka during the days of the kings and this is still thriving sometimes but a bit modernized. In addition the place is reputed for its golden beaches, puppet shows, devil dancing, moonstone, and antique furniture. Plantations of low country tea, rubber, coconut and cinnamon plantations and factories.
Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival
Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB) in our pickup window of Sunday 05:00 to 21:00
Monday - Friday
The activities change according to the beach weather conditions and the number of participants but spending time with these marvellous creatures is the main aim of our participants' involvement.
This program requires your dedication and support. Cleaning of the turtles and their tanks at the turtle conservation center are the main things you have to do. That is because it is vital to have a clean and hygienic center for these animals.
Typical activities during the week would include,
Feeding the turtles (every other day)
- Cleaning the tanks
- Cleaning the turtles
- Cleaning the beach
- Helping with the weekly release of over 100 newborn turtles into the ocean (depends on the weather and season).
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation Saturday morning. Take a bus or taxi to the airport (3 hours) for earliest flights on Saturday Night
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Wifi in public areas
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredNo
- resume copy requiredNo
Other Requirements
- Participants below 18 should have the parental consent letter and participants above 65 should produce medical clearance
- Note: The 1 week Culture Week Experience is a prerequisite for this experience.
Food
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are mainly Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can eat out at any of the local restaurants.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in our center which is located a few meters from the ocean.
The beach is closer to the accommodation where you can hang out with fellow participants.
Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages. Safety lockers are available to store your belongings. Please bring your own padlock to be used.
