Description

Either you are interested in reptiles and amphibians or simply in animal conservation, our Crocodile Conservation program is a unique wildlife conservation opportunity to get close up with crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, king cobras, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas.

This animal conservation volunteer program in India will give you the chance to experience a unique journey by getting up-close to some endangered species.

Highlights

On arrival at Chennai airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation at the center where the staff will ensure that you settle into your new home. Starting on Saturday evening, our local coordinator will host an induction for all recently arrived volunteers. You will also have an opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. Regular social events are also held, giving you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and local people, including a free weekend trip on your second weekend.

30 years ago 8 acres of land on India's east coast south of Chennai and close to the famous temple complex of Mahaballipuram became a trust for the conservation and study of India's three types of crocodile, the Mugger, the Gharial and the Saltwater.

Starting with 30 adults, the trust has now bred over 5,000 and currently cares for over 2,400 crocodiles. The center is now India's principal center for conservation, research and education and home to 14 species of crocodile and 12 endangered species of turtles and tortoises - not to mention the King Cobra, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas.

Since its inception, the center has supplied over 1500 animals and hundreds of eggs for restocking and breeding programs in various crocodile states in India.

There's always plenty of work to be done at the center so expect to be kept busy with a variety of tasks such as:

- Feeding the animals, cleaning out and maintaining the croc enclosures.
- Helping with research projects and collecting data.
- Supporting the environmental awareness camps with local children, giving presentations and demonstrations.
- Acting as a visitor guide, giving day and night-time safaris, and supervising visitors when they are handling the baby crocs or the friendly pythons.

This is a great project for volunteers intending to study conservation, zoology or other related disciplines, but it's open to everybody with an interest in wildlife or conservation.

Qualifications

* Minimum age 18 yrs. No maximum age.
* There are no specific skills required to participate in this program, other than a passion for animals, a genuine interest in reptiles and a will to share it with others.
* Volunteers need to be mature, confident and demonstrate initiative.
* Good spoken English is also required.
* International volunteers welcome.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,000 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

WAVA's Mission Statement

WAVA's Responsible Travel policy is its mission statement. It's not an ideology. It is not a cast-iron set of rigid guidelines and procedures. Rather, it is a spectrum of principles and concepts that promote co-operation and learning not only by those in the London office, but also with all other parties involved - travellers, partners and host communities - ensuring each can mutually benefit. We do our best to understand our travellers' needs, responsibly preparing them to have great experiences, and we produce content that accurately informs our travellers of what they can expect to encounter when abroad.

Year Founded

2010