Wildlife Rescue Centre Volunteer Project in Indonesia

What is the Wildlife Rescue Centre Volunteering project in Indonesia all about?

Volunteer in Indonesia and contribute to fighting the illegal wildlife trade. The project is located on the island of Sulawesi, which is the closest Indonesian island to the Philippines, thus it is a common consolidation point for illegal shipments of animals.Traffickers attempt to move the animals from Java, Sumatra, and Borneo across to the Philippines and onwards to China, Taiwan, and Japan. Orang-utans, sun bears, gibbons, tarsiers, lorises and pangolins are some of the most endangered mammals smuggled out of the country. Cockatoos, hornbills, birds of paradise as well as turtles and other reptiles are shipped out in even bigger quantities. In addition, some of the species such as Sulawesi macaques, the anoa dwarf buffalo and the very rare babirusa are at the mercy of poachers due to the thriving bushmeat trade. Before there was a sustainable rescue facility, the authorities were not able to confiscate the animals, as there wasn’t a subsequent care and rehabilitation option for the rescued animals. This centre was set up to help combat the illegal wildlife trade and provide rescued animals with a place to receive the care they need. The project has also been collaborating with the education department and international schools to educate children about animal rights and welfare.

Why choose this Wildlife Rescue Centre Volunteering project?

The main objective of the centre is for the animals and birds to be released into the wild. If the animals are to be released, it is essential that their natural instincts of searching and foraging for their own food are kept in tact, so they can survive upon release. To achieve this, the feeding of the animals must be spread out throughout the day as it would be in their natural environment. Additionally, food must be given to the animals in a way that emulates how it would naturally be found. Taking care of the animals in this way is vital for their mental health and rehabilitation. Volunteers help is essential as the work is time-consuming and there are over 400 animals and birds at the centre with only a handful of local staff. Volunteers gain an understanding of animal welfare and the struggle facing wildlife conservation organisations in the region.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Volunteers will spend a significant amount of time providing fresh drinking water to the animals, cleaning their enclosures and carrying out enrichments for all of the animals. This includes a variety of ancillary jobs, such as cleaning food bowls, equipment, and food prep areas. There may also be work in connection with building/ upgrading enclosures. The type of species you will working with at any given time cannot be guaranteed as it depends on what the rescue center is dealing with at the time of your placement.

Please note: there are strict rules in place about animal handling and proximity; physical contact with wildlife is not allowed in any circumstance. This is known as the safe-distance policy and these rules are in place for the safety of volunteers as well as to ensure that the animals do not become accustomed to human contact. It is compulsory that volunteers adhere to these rules and any associated signs around the project site.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Indonesia?

Full training is given, so no specific qualifications or experience are required. Volunteers must love animals, and be prepared to be flexible and help out in any area needed. For those with a background in animal husbandry, veterinary, forestry/agriculture or fundraising, longer placements can be arranged.

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