Unseen Wildlife through Our Trap Cameras at Gal Oya

When humans step back, nature steps forward. The wild rarely reveals its true self in our presence. But in our absence, it moves freely. With this understanding, our team at Wild Glamping Gal Oya initiated a project that allows us to quietly observe the hidden world of the wild. We’re capturing the beauty, behaviors, and secrets of Rathugala’s wildlife through a network of trap cameras, without ever intruding.

Located in Sri Lanka’s Rathugala, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, Wild Glamping Gal Oya is more than just a luxury glamping site. It is a space where guests are invited to live among nature, feeling its rhythm throughout their stay, and connected to the nearby Vedda indigenous community. This glamping experience blends adventure, cultural learning, and conservation.

In 2024, we began installing trap cameras as part of our commitment to observing and understanding the diverse fauna that roam this rich ecosystem. Today, four cameras are actively running across the property, positioned not only within our grounds but also along wildlife pathways featured in our ‘Henewala Cave Visit’ and ‘Jungle Walk with a Veddah’ experiences. These cameras have been placed with minimal disturbance to the environment, allowing us to observe wildlife in their most natural, undisturbed state.

From elusive fishing cats to gentle giants, these cameras are revealing species and their behaviors we might never see otherwise. They offer invaluable insights into how animals use the land, what times they’re active, and how they interact with their environment. This is not just an exciting project for our team. What began as a team initiative has become a collaborative effort, with guests showing keen interest and even contributing to this conservation-focused endeavor.

Globally, camera trapping has become a vital tool for researchers and conservationists. It allows them to gather data on animal behavior, population trends, and threats, all without the risks of physical interference. Here in Rathugala, where the wilderness still holds many secrets, this technology helps us take an important step toward wildlife monitoring, awareness, and protection.

At Wild Glamping Gal Oya, we believe in protecting what we promote. As our guests walk through the forest trails or relax under starlit skies, they’re not just experiencing nature. They’re becoming part of a larger effort to conserve it. And now, with the help of our trap cameras, we have the rare opportunity to share rare, unfiltered moments of life in the wild.

Stay tuned, as we share glimpses of what our cameras have captured, giving you a front-row seat to the wild magic of Gal Oya.