Description

Animal lovers, conservationists and scientific researchers alike are invited to this special sanctuary in the remote northern region of Guatemala. The Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is situated on 45 hectares of forested land in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, and is home to a number of species including parrots, macaws, spider and howler monkeys, margays, ocelots, coatimundis, taras and kinkajous. Nearly all of these animals have been seized from smugglers and are very young, needing constant care and attention. As you help these animals rehabilitate back into the wild you will get very close to some of the most unique species on the planet. In addition to feeding and caring for the animals there are opportunities for research at the centre, ensuring that your time at the Centre is tailored to your personal and career goals.

Highlights

A typical day at the Rescue Centre might consist of early morning feeding and cleaning cages, followed by breakfast and chores around the Centre. After lunch and a well-earned siesta you will help feed the animals again before working on individual projects or taking time to swim and hike in the beautiful surroundings. Volunteers and staff then gather in the evening for dinner and socializing. You will also lend a hand in the Quarantine Clinic and cages, where recently-received animals need immediate attention and are given special diets and medicines. For example, parrot chicks must be fed with syringes by hand, and baby monkeys still in shock from separation from the mother must be cuddled and fed by hand.

In addition to the regular daily feeding and care of the animals, there are usually special on-going activities in which you can participate. These activities include:

* Construction of cages or extra buildings;
* Trail maintenance;
* Gathering of wild foods for the animals;
* Research into the wild diets of the animals;
* Giving tours and creating educational exhibits, and;
* Participating in additional environmental education activities and community projects.

Perhaps the most satisfying work we carry out at the Center are the animal releases which we carry out 2-4 times per year. You may assist in these releases, but participation depends on space on the vehicles and many of the releases entail time commitments of 1 or 2 weeks.

At times there is a lot of work, especially during the breeding season (June-August) when we receive the majority of our seized animals; other times volunteers will be encouraged to develop their own individual projects. In the past, volunteers have taken on projects such as developing interpretive exhibits and trails, studying the behaviours of animals in the Centre and conducting educational activities in neighboring schools.

Internships

In addition to the regular volunteer program at the Wild Animal Rescue Center, we can offer coursework, research and internship opportunities aimed at students interested in gaining field-level experience in the following subjects:

Wild Animal and Veterinary Medicine; focusing on the epidemiology of animals in the quarantine and rehabilitation areas of the Rescue Centre as well monitoring wild populations for distinct pathogens. Surgery is performed on injured animals received at the Rescue Centre.

Wild Animal Rehabilitation and Re-introduction; focusing on the etiology of animals in the rehabilitation area of the Rescue Centre, determining whether they have learned the behavioural skills necessary to survive in the wild. This component includes monitoring recently released animals, phenology, taxonomy and the establishment of demographic parameters.

Wild Animal Nutrition; in order to better care for the wild animals in the Rescue Canter and to ensure their success when released in the wild, research is conducted on feeding habits and preferences. We must also determine the availability of these foods throughout the Mayan Biosphere Reserve as one of the parameters.

Qualifications

Spanish language ability is not required, but in general, your ability to speak some Spanish will greatly enhance your effectiveness as well as your satisfaction with your experience. Lessons are available.

* No minimum or maximum age
* Minimum 1 week commitment (3 months for Internships)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary Vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

190 USD for the first week (140 USD for each additional week) + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

Includes project activities, accommodation, 24 hour support, airport pickup and in-country orientation. You should budget around $5 a day for food.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Agriculture
• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Veterinary
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

A typical intern/volunteer is someone who is looking for a serious opportunity to further their career aspirations. They are not simply looking for a holiday, but for a unique opportunity to prove themselves and gain the experience needed to get a foot in the door to the career they crave. We exist to help get the experience you need to find your perfect job.

Age Range

No minimum or maximum age

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2+

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009