New program: March 5 – 14 2024
As an elephant research assistant, you can help Bring The Elephant Home and Kariega Game Reserve with an exciting research project focusing on range expansion and elephant well-being in South Africa! As the reserve is preparing for range expansion, we have collared six elephants to track their movement and assist in monitoring their behaviour before and after fence removal. During this program the Reserve will be initiating range expansion by taking down the fences, so you will actively participate in elephant identification and monitoring of elephant behaviour during this important time. Besides Kariega’s dedicated ecologists and rangers, you will work with two elephant researchers of Bring The Elephant Home.
As an elephant research assistant, you can help Bring The Elephant Home and Kariega Game Reserve with an exciting research project focusing on range expansion and elephant well-being in South Africa! As the reserve is preparing for range expansion, we have collared six elephants to track their movement and assist in monitoring their behaviour before and after fence removal. During this program the Reserve will be initiating range expansion by taking down the fences, so you will actively participate in elephant identification and monitoring of elephant behaviour during this important time. Besides Kariega’s dedicated ecologists and rangers, you will work with two elephant researchers of Bring The Elephant Home.
Elephant conservation expedition participant qualifications
The most important requirements are that you are passionate about elephants, and motivated to make a real change. We especially welcome people who:
- Are independent, have great team spirit
- Are accountable and dependable
- Have an optimistic and flexible attitude
- Have the ability to think in terms of creative and practical solutions.
- Speak and write English proficiently
- Are aged over 21 years old
We welcome a maximum of eight elephant conservation expedition participants with different skills and experiences useful for all activities. A few examples of skills we value: science (e.g. social, animal behaviour or environmental), communication (developing social media and educational tools), GIS, analysing tracking data, (conservation) education, and more.
Not ticking all the boxes?
If you are super motivated but not sure if you can meet all the requirements, you might be able to help us reach our goals in a different way. Please contact us with your ideas, and we can discuss the possibilities.
All funds raised from participating in this unique experience will contribute to elephant research and conservation projects.
We look forward to your application!
Where: Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa. When: March 5 – 14 2024
Application and selection process
- You can express your interest through this form.
- After the application, we will contact you with more information about the program.
- We will make a selection of suitable applicants and inform you personally.
- Before confirming your stay, we would like to have a video call to get to know you better, talk about your preferred activities, and decide which tasks would suit you and which skills are most needed for the program.
- As soon as possible after meeting you we will confirm whether you can join the program.
- In case of any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at brooke@bteh.org
Please express your interest as soon as possible!
Program costs
10 days: 2.350 euros ($ 2,500).
We can provide applicants with personal fundraiser pages so you can raise financial support for your contribution to elephant conservation and limit your costs.
- This includes shared accommodation at Kariega Conservation Center, all meals (vegetarian), coffee/tea/water, (limited) internet access, boma area with a campfire, braai, and a rockpool.
- All game drives in the beautiful Kariega Game Reserve and participating in elephant behaviour research.
- The participation fee excludes flights, land transfers, and personal expenses (e.g. local SIM card, drinks, snacks, etc).
All funds raised from participating in this unique experience will contribute to elephant research and conservation projects.
News and updates
2024-03-15 What happens when you drop a fence: 5 observations
2023-11-07 Volunteer in South Africa for Bring The Elephant Home
2023-10-28 New volunteer program: March 5 – 14 2024
2023-09-28 Publication in Diversity
2023-05-07 Elephant Collaring Report