Description

The Thailand Wild Animal Rescue Centre is located approximately 2 to 3 hours south of Bangkok. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals previously exploited as pets, used for profit within the tourist industry or rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Most of the animals residing at the sanctuary were maltreated before they arrived here, suffering from abuse, malnutrition, neglect and improper care. Many of the animals arrive with permanent disabilities and hence, cannot be returned to the wild. The mission is to give these animals the best quality of life possible in captivity. Construction of seven gibbon islands have been completed, allowing the gibbons to move about freely, to establish territories and mates, and to live a life as close as possible to a life in the wild. The project also has an education centre as it is considered that educating the locals and future generations is essential to the survival of Thailand's wildlife.

Volunteers work a 6 day week, the amount of hours worked depend upon the amount of volunteers and current needs at the project. Daily activities are rotated amongst volunteers and include:

* Preparing food for the bears, moving them inside and then scattering and hiding the food in their enclosure to provide a environment close to natural as possible where they would need to forage for food.
* Preparing food and feeding the primates.
* Creating the special diets for the other animals.
* Enrichment for the animals to provide stimulation, thought and fun. Including making puzzle feeders and watching as the primates work out how to get to the food inside, freezing their food on hot days, or smearing honey in hard to reach areas in the bears enclosure.
* Cleaning the cages and enclosures.
* Providing the animals with water.
* Walking in the forest to collect the best leaves for the primates.
* Maintaining the centre.
* Giving tours to visitors (experienced and willing volunteers only)

When new enclosures are being constructed volunteers can assist, as well as in the continual maintenance and re-design of existing enclosures. You will work closely with the animals but we have a no contact policy for the safety of you and the animals. The animals are wild and can bite and scratch. Disease transmission is possible between animals and people, and can be fatal to young or weak animals. The work can be hard in the tropical climate, but as always, you only get out what you put into this unique and rewarding experience.

The project is located 2 to 3 hours south of Bangkok near a small village. The centre is next to a lake, surrounded by dense forest and near some of Thailand's least visited National Parks. Less than an hour away are the beach resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin where the volunteers go for shopping, days off and nights out. The local village has fast internet access, shops and bars but has no tourists so is a real insight into the Thai way of life. Volunteers can arrange camping trips into the remote National Parks or go on night safaris to spot Thailand's wild animals.

Highlights

Volunteers work closely with an amazing variety of animals including tiger, gibbons, bears, macaques, birds, civets, otters, langurs and mongoose.

If you volunteer for 8 weeks or more, you will be given three days to join an "Elephant refuge and Education centre". You will ride the domesticated elephants into the forest, take them for bathing and help collect their food. This centre gives refuge to domesticated elephants that have been roaming the streets of Bangkok and other cities.

Travel Types

• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 18 years or older, reasonably fit and able to speak English.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From USD 935 / GBP 585 including accomodation

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Pick up from Bangkok airport / hotel, Cha Am or Thyang; Accommodation for the duration of you stay at the project; All main meals; Full in country support from the project coordinator; Volunteer for 8 weeks or more to qualify for 3 days at an "Elephant refuge and Education centre"; Comprehensive information brochure; Assistance and advise for traveling to Thailand.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteering is an amazing way to gain an insight into the culture of a country. Once you volunteer you are no longer just another tourist, you will work intimately with the local staff and more importantly give a special gift to the project and community you visit. Volunteering is for those who have an interest in other cultures and want to help those less fortunate than themselves. You also get to meet like minded people, adventurous, open minded and with a willingness to make a difference.

Age Range

Over 18; if younger, need to be accompanied by an adult.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Globalteer's Mission Statement

Globalteer is a UK registered charity that serves to help those in need. We aim to provide support to communities and projects in need, to raise awareness in developed countries of the plight faced by poverty stricken countries, and to educate locals and volunteers about environmental issues and the need to protect wildlife. We promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public through the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and disadvantaged communities. We also promote humane behavior towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage; and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.

Year Founded

2006