|
Welcome
to MEF Volunteers
About
the Millennium Elephant Foundation
The
Millennium Elephant Foundation is situated on
a 15 acre estate known as Samaragiri, which
has been home to the Samarasinghe family for
many generations. The Samarasinghe family has
owned elephants since the 1960's and in 1979
Mr Samarasinghe (1939 - 1991) opened the
estate to the public as the "Elephant
Bath". Currently the MEF is home to over
10 elephants. The youngest, Pooja was the
first captive elephant to be bred in Sri
Lanka, born in 1984. It is estimated that the
MEF grounds have a total holding capacity of
10-15 female elephants, of course
consideration can be given to male elephants
if necessary. In an effort to increase
awareness and generate the funds desperately
needed for the maintenance and care of our
elephants, the MEF actively welcomes visitors
and encourages one to one interaction with
them.
MEF
2000 and Beyond
At
the turn of the 20th Century, there were more
than 12,000 elephants in the jungles of Sri
Lanka. Now it is estimated that there are only
between 2,500 and 2,800 and 192 elephants
living in domesticity. The Millennium Elephant
Foundation seeks to promote and improve
elephant welfare in Sri Lanka by encouraging
the conservation of Sri Lanka's threatened
elephant population and compassionate elephant
ownership. We hope to do this by raising
awareness of the elephant's struggle; offering
medical help / assistance and promoting
education relating to elephant welfare, not
only in Sri Lanka but around the world.
The Millennium Elephant Foundation believes
good welfare standards are possible for all
captive elephants in Sri Lanka. Our project
'2000 and Beyond' aims to promote this through
good health, compassionate ownership and
education.
MEF
Volunteer Viewpoint
The
foundation, despite unfair media coverage
which has affected the tourist industry have
strived to make life for these elephants a
safe haven during what has been a difficult
time. The foundation is not just a
sanctuary for the elephants, but a focal point
for the local community, without this
establishment many local people would not have
jobs, and the children would not benefit from
the English After School class, which they so
dearly enjoy. I cannot express how
wonderful the Foundation is, everything about
the place is positive, but like any place it
can be improved, which is where you the
volunteer comes in.
|
