Ever wondered if elephants are fussy eaters? It turns out yes, they are! Elephants don’t like oranges, and our teams have been using this to protect both elephants, farmers and their crops!
Introducing Project Orange Elephant
This brilliant initiative in Wasgamuwa, Sri Lanka, uses the power of oranges to help keep elephants from farmland. Elephants are less likely to wander into farms and damage precious crops.
This simple solution keeps crops, people and elephants safe all at the same time. And the added bonus, farmers can earn extra income by selling the fruit!
Each tree bears fruit within 1.5-2 years, and produces up to 600 oranges every season. Match this with a high demand for sweet oranges, and it’s a game changer for local communities. It’s a win-win for elephants, farmers and their families.
A Growing Success
So far, 450 farmers from 26 villages have joined the project. Every one of them has seen positive results! To grow this even further, we've partnered with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS). Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve:
- Purchased 2,500 orange trees
- Expanded into four new villages
- Partnered with 50 additional farmers
Our team met with the farmers to understand their challenges, and discuss how orange trees could help. The biggest concern raised was watering the plants during the dry season. To address this, we're working on irrigation systems for long term success.
Recently, heavy rains have delayed tree planting, as young saplings are vulnerable to excess water. To give them the best chance of survival, our team is waiting for the rain to ease before moving forward.
Until then, we are so incredibly grateful for your support in making this happen! Your kindness is GROWING solutions to protect both elephants and farmers! Something as simple as orange trees is making a world of difference. Keeping elephants safe, protecting livelihoods and preventing human-elephant conflict.
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful champion for our precious elephant friends 🖤
Program: Project Orange Elephant
Location: Wasgamuwa, Sri Lanka
Run by:Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS)
