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About the Sanctuary We are a hands-off elephant sanctuary at the edge of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Home to Lucky Kali and Begam Kali — two retired elephants now living truly free. Founded by Lena, a Swiss elephant welfare advocate with over 20 years of experience in Asia. Join us to protect them, share their story, and help rescue more.
Lucky Kali (~60 years old) — first used in India's logging industry, then brought to Nepal to carry tourists, living chained and wounded without veterinary care. Today she is the first captive elephant in Nepal to live truly free — without chains, without a mahout on her back. Thriving.
Begam Kali (70+) — shackled between rides, moved between hotels, her teeth now gone. Rescued in 2026, she is still adjusting to her new life, surrounded by forest, river, and a devoted team.
We currently employ seven people: a local site manager and partner, two mahouts, a maintenance and feeding coordinator, an all-purpose assistant, and two security guards.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Culture
Videography
LGBTQ
Pets
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Farming
Plant care
Blogging
Photography
Languages
Animals
Mountain
Hiking
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Outdoor activities
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living and helping here means being fully immersed in the daily life of our sanctuary, set in the surroundings of Sauraha, a village on the edge of the jungle bordering the National Park. You will help closely alongside our team and guests on site.
The local Tharu community, an Indigenous people of the Terai area, will be your neighbours. Their culture, their deep connection with the jungle and its wildlife, and their way of life are unlike anything most volunteers have experienced before.
You will also join a team from all over the world — sharing meals, learning from one another, and building something meaningful together. We believe learning is mutual: we hope to learn from you just as much as you will learn from us.
Help
Your Role Guiding our guests is the heart of your time here — you will be the face of the sanctuary, sharing Lucky and Begam Kali's stories and our ethical approach to wildlife tourism. Tours run daily in the morning. If you speak French, Dutch, Spanish or German, you may give tours in your own language.
Beyond guiding: collecting bamboo, grass and banana leaves for the elephants, maintaining enclosures, gardening, and general upkeep. Time to walk alongside the river, observe the elephants in their habitat, and learn from our caretakers about elephant biology and behaviour. On clear days, the peaks of the Himalayas emerge above the jungle canopy — a breathtaking reminder of where you are.
We especially welcome skills in social media, content creation, photography, video editing, fundraising, graphic design, and website management. Every volunteer contributes differently — your role adapts to your skills and the team's needs.
If you love elephants, are not afraid to get your hands dirty, and want to contribute to something truly meaningful — this is the place for you.
⏱️ Approximately 5 hours per day, 5 days a week — the rhythm follows the elephants and the needs of the sanctuary.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will stay at a nearby hotel in Sauraha, a short walk from the sanctuary. Rooms are shared (same gender, unless you are a couple or friends), each with their own bed and private bathroom. WiFi is available.
We are happy to provide both accommodation and meals free of charge in exchange for volunteers' help — approximately 5 hours per day, 5 days a week, with a minimum stay of one month.
What else ...
Your rest day is yours to explore at your own pace. Sauraha is a short walk away with local restaurants and small shops. Chitwan National Park is on your doorstep if you want to go further — rhinos, jungle walks, canoe trips on the Rapti River. We are happy to point you toward trusted local contacts and help you avoid the tourist traps.
But remember — you are here primarily to help and contribute. The experience itself is the adventure
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Ronaldo
Scar
Kalou
Photos
