Hi! My name is Lianne Zonnebeld, and I’ve been a volunteer virtual assistant with Trunks & Leaves for the past year. In addition to my work with elephants, I’ve been conducting field research on primates in Sri Lanka since January 2024, gaining valuable insight into wildlife behaviour and conservation challenges. Working with these two iconic species has deepened my passion for conservation. In June 2024, I had the unforgettable opportunity to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Research Project (UWERP) which Trunks & Leaves sponsors. Over three days, I witnessed the challenges and triumphs of protecting elephants and fostering human-wildlife coexistence. Here’s a glimpse into what I experienced during this eye-opening journey.