Under 18 Wildlife Rescue
Location
Thailand: Cha-am
Description
By volunteering at the Wildlife Rescue centre you will make a major contribution to the welfare of animals in Thailand. There are currently over 300 rescued animals including rescued primates, bears, exotic birds reptiles and other small mammals.
The centre would not be able to run without the hard work of the volunteers and their financial support. On a personal level you will have a unique opportunity to work alongside some incredible wildlife and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a difference to their lives.
As part of the 2 week trip the group will enjoy:
* An exciting elephant night safari - the group will travel to one of Thailand's national parks to hopefully spot elephants in the wild!
* Full day trip to the coastal town of Cha am which will include relaxing at the beach, a visit to a bat cave and some time shopping at the local night market
* Visit to a Buddhist temple
You will be part of a group of volunteers spending 2 weeks volunteering at the centre. There is no such thing as a 'typical' day but everyday jobs include:
* Feeding the animals
* Providing water for the animals
* Assisting with cleaning the enclosures
Other possible tasks include:
* Construction of new cages and enclosures
* Working on enclosure enrichments
* Maintenance work for cages and the gibbon islands
* Keeping the centre's grounds clean
Generally, due to the number of animals there are three main focus areas; primates, bears and other wildlife. Volunteers work a six-day working week from about 6.30am-5.00pm. The atmosphere at the centre is informal and relaxed. You will be scheduled where you are most needed and where your skills can be used to the maximum advantage.
The centre is home to a wide variety of animals. There are currently around 100 primates primarily species of macaques and gibbons as well as langurs and lorises. There are just over 20 bears, both Asiatic black bears and Malayan sun bears. Additionally there are civets, a leopard cat, an Asiatic golden jackal and a variety of exotic birds and reptiles. There is even a crocodile called Dundee!
The centre's aim is to save wildlife and their habitat from destruction, rescuing wild animals from places where they are maltreated and/or neglected. The focus is primarily on rehabilitating captive or domesticated animals and, if possible, preparing them for a reintroduction to their natural habitats. The centre also provides a permanent sanctuary for those animals that no-one else is prepared to care for e.g. the sick and disabled.
There is an Elephant Care project based at the same centre so you will have a chance to see these majestic animals too.
Highlights
* Live in a tropical wildlife rescue centre based on temple grounds, home to around 300 rescued animals
* Variety of animals including macaques, gibbons, bears, exotic birds and reptiles
* Elephant night safari, beach trip and other activities included
* Join a group accompanied by a PoD leader