Why is our program important?
AERU plays a crucial role in using research as a tool to guide elephant management on the Knysna Elephant Park. Our research investigates the behaviour and social dynamics of African elephants with one another, as well as their interactions with tourists. This important work allows AERU to provide scientific insights and publish scientific papers that can benefit and improve elephant management in semi-captive and captive facilities around the world, developing the best operational practices that ensure their welfare is made the top priority. AERU's primary goal is to ensure the optimal physical, psychological, and social well-being of African elephants in semi-captive environments, helping them live healthy and enriched lives.
How are we helping?
AERU offers objective, data-driven insights, we advocate for enhanced welfare standards, providing crucial information that guides everything from daily care practices to long-term management strategies.
By choosing this program, you can contribute to our ongoing research while undoubtedly experiencing some of the most unforgettable moments of your life. Observing and working alongside the largest land mammal on Earth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What is the volunteer experience?
The elephant herd you will work closely with resides on Knysna Elephant Park (KEP). You will live on-site at KEP during your stay, fully immersed in a life among our elephants. We provide on-site training for our elephant research projects, as well as complimentary related tasks such as boma upkeep, conservation and rehabilitation projects, and environmental education work.
By the end of your stay, you will have learned a significant amount about elephant biology, social dynamics, behaviour, husbandry, and welfare, and how research practices are conducted, and most likely will have fallen in love with our herd! You will also have gained a broader understanding of their crucial role in the natural environment and the aspects involved in keeping them happy and healthy.
Activities
Here is a non-exhaustive list of activities that will be offered during your stay:
Internal activities
- Elephant Research -> Field observations of the herd, and evening/night observations in the camp.
- Collecting dung -> Processing samples and lab work
- Environmental Enrichments -> Assisting with Elephant food
- Making AERU crafts -> Raising funds for research.
- Maintenance -> Cleaning out elephant camps and conservation ecology project support
- Data entry of field work into the computer system.
- more...
External activities
- Community Outreach -> Fixing the people's problems in Conservation
- Volunteer Programme Exchanges -> Expanding conservation perspectives
- Environmental Education -> Visiting local schools, building the future from the grassroots
- Beach Cleanups -> Protecting our coastlines
- Adventure Activities -> Learning while exploring
- South African Braais -> Experience local culture and cuisine at special locations
- more...
Please note: the activities offered may be influenced by the weather, the number of volunteers present on site, or any other factors beyond our control; working with animals can sometimes be unpredictable.
What about the team?
On site, you will meet our friendly qualified team! Our mission is for our volunteers to leave with useful new knowledge about elephants and wildlife conservation, but most importantly, with unforgettable memories and an appreciation for elephants.
We are a small team of 6 - 7 from a variety of different backgrounds (English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, French, Danish, Swazi...). We each have our own specialties, providing you with a broad spectrum of research and conservation insights!
Many of our AERU team live on site at KEP accommodations (Bunkhouse and Mainhouse). It is important for us that volunteers feel embraced as part of our herd as they are typically far from their homes. A simple message in the WhatsApp group, and one of our friendly staff will be there to assist you when needed
Where are the volunteers living?
All our volunteers are living with the staff, between the two accommodations on site (in the park). So yes, you will be sleeping next to elephants! Security guard patrols are conducted in the area throughout the night to ensure the safety of both the elephants and the staff on site (reassuring safety measures for our volunteers).
The park is located on the Garden Route, offering many activities to enjoy, as well as breath-taking natural areas to explore.
What to bring?
AERU is providing the uniform (2 AERU T-shirts and 1 cap). You have to bring your own trousers/shorts (khaki, brown, green or dark), good shoes (hiking boots or durable trainers) for walking in the field and an all-weather coat/ jacket for chilly and rainy days.
Here is a list of what you should bring:
- Towels
- Latex gloves (for dung collection)
- Insect repellent
- Warm fleece jacket (can be windy sometimes)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more)
- South African plug adapters (3 round pins)
- Evening entertainment: Books, games, music etc...
- Swim suite (to enjoy the beach over the weekend)
Optional- Torch/Flashlight
- Water bottle
- Camera and binoculars
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Any donations for community projects (stationary/toys/balls)
A shopping trip is scheduled every Friday for weekly groceries, so if you forget something essential, don’t worry!
