Description

Work with a variety of animals in a Zoo in the capital city of Sri Lanka. Here you'll assist in trying to raise the quality of life of the animals by improving the enclosures and keeping the animals mentally stimulated.

The Zoo has a tremendous variety of animals. It is beautiful, set in acres of lush vegetation. The nature of your work will vary according to what is required every day and also the Zoo's needs in general during the period of time that you're there. This project is for animals lovers and people who don't mind hard work and getting their hands dirty.

Your work on this project will be reasonably varied and you'll also learn a lot about the different species and what animal care in a third world country involves. There is a vast number and variety of animals at the Zoo, currently (at time of writing) including 12 elephants, many different primates and chimps, hippos, giraffes, bears, seals, zebra, snakes, crocodiles, antelope, fish and various other animals. There is also a lone Orang Utan and an aquarium.

ABOUT COLOMBO ZOO:
The Zoo is hailed in several guide books as one of Asia's best and most beautiful zoos. It is a quite a large zoo and usually takes visitors about 2 hours to see everything. One of the major attractions is the elephant shows that the Zoo holds with not less than 6 Indian elephants and another attraction is the beautiful butterfly park.

Our project in Colombo Zoo has been running since 2002 and during this time, progress in improvements has been slow but steady, with lots of enclosure enrichment projects adding new elements to the quality of the animals' lives. When you apply for this project, we'll give you lots of ideas and suggestions for enclosure enrichment that you will be able to become involved with, or you may even be able to instigate your own ideas for projects that will improve the animals' quality of life.

The nature of your work will vary according to what is required every day and also the Zoo's needs in general during the period of time that you're there. This project is for animal lovers and people who don't mind hard work and getting their hands dirty. Work starts early because a lot is done before opening time at 8.30. Below is a summary of current and potential work at the Zoo.

Much of the work involves cleaning out the animal cages so that they're kept comfortable and healthy. This usually takes place between 7.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m., before the Zoo opens - therefore, you need to be capable of early starts!

* Cleaning and feeding the primates
* Washing down the enclosures and refilling the animals' baths
* Feeding some animals (excluding any of the dangerous ones, such as crocodiles and possibly the big cats).
* Behavioural observation, plus on occasion caring for sick animals.
* Preparing the food
* Gardening to maintain the surroundings.
* Helping to build the children's play area.

There are opportunities to learn about the different species and what is involved in animal care in a third world country.

Although you'll help care for and feed some of the animals at the Zoo, your work with any big or dangerous animals will only be undertaken under close supervision.

You will learn about enrichment programmes and implement projects of your choice ranging from building a hammock for the monkeys to stimulating the environments of the bears through food/smell enrichment techniques to rebuilding whole enclosures for the animals.

Your presence at the zoo will make a real difference to the lives of some of these captive animals.

Any hands on contact with the animals will depend entirely on whether there are young or tame animals at the zoo during your placement and will always be at the discretion of the zoo supervisors. At present there are no young animals at the zoo after the sad loss of a baby giraffe recently. Your work at present will therefore be concentrated behind the scenes in zoo keeper duties, observation, DIY work and enrichment projects.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into South East Asia and the Sri Lankan culture.
* The enormous satisfaction of improving the quality of life of the animals and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,420 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995