Volunteer Testimonials

Volunteers from all over the world have visited AERU and found a second home within our herd. Many have been young travellers on their first adventure in Africa, whereas others were seasoned travellers who have explored all over the world. This has created a wonderful mixing pot for volunteers from all over the world to meet like-minded people, and form friendships with the team and one another, that last a lifetime. Whether younger or older, the AERU programme has been designed to support and educate all types of volunteers, offering them an experience like no other, as they come to know the elephants personally. Below are some testimonials reflecting the views and experiences of AERU volunteers.

The past 10 weeks at AERU have been incredible. Travelling to Africa has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and I could not have wished for a better Travelling to Africa has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and I could not have wished for a better experience. I leave with such fond memories of the elephants and of the people that I met there. It truly felt like a home away from home! My favourite thing about volunteering at AERU was the diversity of tasks we were able to do each week. I loved collecting data in the field each day. It was also lovely to prepare enrichments for the elephants, to work in the lab and to monitor the zebra herd on Fridays!! Every day I learned something new and spending time here has only inspired me to pursue a career in this field more. It was such a magical experience that I will treasure forever. It was also amazing to see the bonds between the guides and the elephants. It was so inspirational to watch them work with them so closely and to see the respect they have for each other. I am so grateful to have been able to see such beautiful interactions between man and animal. Leaving the AERU team is so hard, but I will remember my time here forever and I will definitely be back again!

Laura

22 / 25 years old, UK, Jan 2019 / Sep 2022

I always felt well taken care of and knew that if I needed anything or had any questions, I could always contact a member of AERU. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. This has also been a major contributing factor to feeling so comfortable at AERU. Ellies playing in the waterhole and the pleasant silence and starry sky during the evening observation were some of my most memorable moments – it´s a very special experience. My contributions to the research unit with the monitoring the elephants and data entry and with the nursery project was very enriching. I have taken some valuable lessons with me now that I can apply in my life and it has shown me once again that I can also quickly initiate new ways with small steps. A huge thank you to everyone, that everyone contributed to make the time so great, I will remember it with so much joy for a very, very long time."

Sonja

30 years old, Germany, Jan 2023

"I leave a piece of my heart here with the team and with the elephants. It has been such a special place for me discovering the beautiful personalities of each elephant. The AERU team have also been so helpful and supportive. I am happy to have these new wonderful friends. Thank you for being such a memorable part of my life, and I hope to see you again soon!"

Olivia

24 years old, USA, Feb 2024

"I loved doing research field shifts with the elephants, seeing the new born baby zebra, and seeing Keisha and Thato (elephants) become even closer friends – there were some really cute moments I always admire the guides professionality, their patience and their special connection to the elephants. You can see that the ellies trust their guides. Some of them I would even consider as elephant whisperers. A very big thank you to all of you guys at AERU! Can’t wait to be back a 4th time!"

Michaela

49 years old, Austria, Feb 2024

"Thank you so much for these memorable four weeks. I am really glad I came back again. With the friendly staff, I learned much more about the elephants and other animals this time, had more fun with the guides and other volunteers and just loved it. I really appreciated AERU management interacting with us volunteers and sharing all their knowledge and telling us about her research plans. Jarrett's wildlife stories and facts were incredible as well, he really knows his stuff. I especially enjoyed being able to follow Harry's Herd at PGR. That was a much different experience than last time, and it was such a special way to spend the morning. Truly, thank you so much for the great time. I can't wait to come back again!"

Vroni

27 year old, Germany, Nov 2022

"My whole vocabulary the week I stayed was ‘incredible’ and ‘amazing’. Reflecting on my experience, there were so many highlights! Seeing the elephants for the first time and getting to feed them fruit was very special. Visiting Harry’s Herd; seeing so many elephants together, and the size of the big bulls was breath-taking, as well as the beautiful landscape/park they’re located on. The location of Knysna on the beautiful Garden Route and being able to visit the surrounding areas like Plettenberg Bay on the weekend. Having Zebras and being able to spot them on the park too was amazing. The overnight Elephant observations – what an experience!"

Tahleigha

26 years old, Australia, Aug 2022

"My life has been forever changed and I am utterly grateful to have been humbled by those (both human and elephant) around me. Use this time to learn, grow, and adapt to the world around you. If you are open enough, the elephants will teach you a great deal about yourself and you won’t regret it!"

Chasen

20 years old, USA, Jun 2018

Volunteer Testimonials

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