Volunteers | Gap Years | Working holidays | Volunteer work abroad

Wildlife Rescue - Thailand

Volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue Centre, caring for an amazing variety of wild animals that are being given shelter.

Start dates	Flexible, any date throughout the year
Duration	2 - 12 weeks
Price - 2009	£495 for the first 2 weeks + £100 per week after that
Price - 2008	£395 (2 weeks), £475 (3 weeks), £550 (4 weeks), £725 (6 weeks), £875 (8 weeks), £1200 (12 weeks)
Number of volunteers	Normally 10-20, but does vary significantly

About the Centre and the animals

The centre's aim is to save wild animals and their habitat from destruction.

There are currently over 300 rescued animals, with just over 200 primates. This includes 5 different species of macaque, 2 species of gibbon, civets, a tiger, sun bears and Asiatic black bears, a crocodile and exotic birds.

The centre rescues wild animals from places where they are maltreated and/or neglected, and helps them to spend the rest of their lives in a sanctuary as close to the natural environment as possible with the best possible care. In particular, it provides a permanent sanctuary for life for those animals that no-one else is prepared to care for e.g. the sick and disabled.

The focus is on on rehabilitating captive or domesticated animals and, if possible, preparing them for a reintroduction to their natural habitats.

The centre is based on temple grounds near Thayang in the South of Thailand, about 100 miles South of Bangkok and about 15 miles from the beaches of Cha Am and Hua Hin.

As well as the Wildlife Rescue project, there is also an Elephant Care project based at the same site.

A typical week

The exact nature of the work you will be doing varies all the time and there is no such thing as a 'typical' day. However there are certain everyday jobs that will be your responsibility, primarily feeding the animals and assisting with cleaning the cages. A rota system is followed for these jobs so that everyone does their fair share.

In addition to this you will probably be involved with, amongst other things, the construction of new cages and enclosures, working on cage enrichments, giving tours to visitors, maintenance work to cages and the gibbon islands, and keeping the centre's grounds clean.

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.

Although you will work very closely with the animals, direct physical contact is limited in order to help their rehabilitation and maintain a safe working environment.

Lifestyle

Including volunteers on the Elephant Care project (based at the same centre), there will be between 20-40 volunteers at one time and you will all live in shared rooms on-site.

After work you can relax at the centre and socialise with other volunteers. There is a TV that you can watch DVD's on and there is room for everyone to sit and relax in the main volunteer house.

About 5 minutes walk from the centre there is a small village with an internet cafe and small shop, and there is also a large Buddhist temple to visit.

For a night out volunteers regularly club together and organise a taxi to Hua Hin where there are many bars and restaurants and also a night market. On Wednesday evenings there is also a big night market in Cha-am selling lots of cheap clothes and souvenirs, which is popular.

On days off you are free to explore the local area or visit the excellent beaches which are about 15 miles away.

What our volunteers say

"I would recommend this placement to anyone who has a love for and interest in animals and who does not mind hard work and getting involved in more than just the basic jobs. I loved it" - Tomasz

For more views from past volunteers please see our testimonials.

What's included

A comprehensive information booklet
Travel advice and assistance
Accommodation (a simple shared room)
All main meals
Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team.

What's not included

The following estimates are given as a guide for your budgeting: flights to Bangkok (£450-£600), travel insurance, visa (free for stays of less than 30 days, £45 otherwise), general living costs (£150 per month).

A taxi from Bangkok airport or your hotel can be arranged to take you directly to the Centre for approx £35. This is a private taxi using regular drivers from the centre.

Benefits

By volunteering at the Wildlife Rescue centre you will make a major contribution to the welfare of animals in Thailand.

The centre would not be able to run without the hard work of the volunteers and their financial support - the majority of the volunteer fees (approx 70%) goes directly to the centre providing a critical source of funding for their future work.

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 the lives of these animals.

Challenges

You will need to be able to tolerate high temperatures and humidity, work well within a team and be adaptable to living and working in a group.

It is physical work in a hot environment so can be draining, but it is also very rewarding.

Requirements

No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to get involved. Volunteers should be fit and healthy and must be at least 18 years old.

Next steps and how to apply

Please contact us if you would like to discuss the placement, or go to the how to apply section where you can apply online or download an application form.