Program Photos
Animal Care Program in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Location: Australia: Perth
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad), 7-12 months (includes high school academic year abroad)
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.
Travellers Worldwide
http://www.travellersworldwide.com
Suite 2A, Caravelle House 17/19 Goring Road Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4AP England
Call Us
Phone: 0044 (0)1903 502 595 / 0845 3 447 585
Fax: 0044 (0)1903 708179
Description
Volunteer with us and join varied and fascinating Wildlife Rehabilitation Project that helps all types of animals throughout the whole of Perth. You'll work at the Rehabilitation Centre, as well as on various different projects throughout the city in locations that enable you to travel around Perth. These can range from a national park, to the river or coast, from Wetlands, beaches and possibly Perth Zoo, to working in schools or in an urban park.
Australia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large portion of species endemic to Australia. Preserving this wealth of biodiversity is important for future generations. Thought of by many as one of the worlds last wildernesses, Australia is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem that needs our help and protection.
The elements of work you'll assist with are diverse - something to suit everyone. You'll work with an organisation that is totally run by volunteers who are dedicated to conserving Australia's threatened wildlife and ecosystems - it's an immensely worthwhile project which has a very high level of personal satisfaction. You'll assist in taking care of a variety of different types of animals that need your help, as well as working with plants and trees, habitat restoration and heritage protection - in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia!
Flexibility: Another attraction of this multi-faceted project is that if you decide that there is one particular project that you would prefer to work on, rather than devoting time to many different projects, we can arrange for you to do so, if it is feasible at the time you're there.
They have many animal species on site, such as pelicans, kangaroos and even at times penguins - during the day the place is active with animal movement, making it a very interesting environment!
This project will enable you to contribute your time and skills to help the environment, broaden your life experience and work with others who share your love of nature! If you're looking for a broad experience then this project is your answer.
You may find the work challenging but it is truly rewarding and you'll receive training on-site. Some of the animals have to stay at the Centre for a long time before they can be released because certain things have to be taken into account, such as the time of year, if there is sufficient water around, bad or stormy weather, release sites and habitat re-development Another important aspect is the number of animals in the area and whether the area can sustain them without risk of over-population. You will be exposed to all these elements while on your project. You'll gain a lot of practical experience and you'll learn a tremendous amount.
The type of work is very varied, depending on the time of year, but includes endangered flora and fauna surveys and monitoring, weed control, tree planting, erosion and salinity control, seed collection, construction and maintenance of walking tracks, habitat restoration and heritage protection. The range of activities you may undertake includes:
- Caring for the animals and birds, including cleaning enclosures and cages.
- Preparing food and water for the animals.
- Filling the duck and swan pond.
- Assisting with compiling medical records for all new animals that are brought to the Centre.
- Checking the animal diet board to ensure that the sick or injured animals are receiving the meals that have been specified for them.
- Cleaning the hospital boxes and tanks.
- You may be able to assist with animal captures, but this will depend on a number of factors, such as whether the animal is dangerous, what type of terrain it is stranded in, and whether there are captures while you're there.
- Surveys and monitoring
- Ground maintenance: This includes tasks such as: checking the upkeep of the animal enclosures; checking the hoses and fixing them if required; checking the various pieces of equipment and reporting which need replacing or repairing, in order to ensure things are kept to the best standard possible
- Gardening and Laundry
- Help in the office with some administration
- Animal welfare: the Centre has the policy that the feelings and mental welbeing of the animals, not the people, comes first! The centre brings in wild animals that are in desperate need of help, so you should be prepared for the fact that some of these injured or abused animals die and some have to be put to sleep.
- You may also be able to assist with the various school groups that come to the Centre on educational outings. They usually have at least one group a week.
Education and Training Programmes:
You may also get involved in the many different education and training programs that are open to the public. They have a course suitable for any interested person, young or old. These include general training in wildlife care, work experience, training for vets and vet students in native animal care and handling, one-off tours and talks for school groups
Hours can vary depending on the work which needs to be done, the time of year, season etc. You will generally work 5 days a week, often with early starts, but generally from around 8.00 to 3.00 or 9.00 to 4.00. Days may include weekends but you will have two days off a week.
Please note that the work that you'll be involved in depends on what is available at the time of your placement.
Highlights
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Australia and you'll learn about the Aborigine culture that makes this country so fascinating!
The enormous satisfaction of helping 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 résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
Travel Types
- Volunteering
Degree Level
Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)
Qualifications
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.
For this placement:
- You should be a hands-on person who loves the outdoors.
- You should be in good health and reasonably fit and able to work in a team.
- You must be prepared for some hard physical work, especially during the summer time when it can get extremely hot.
- You must be willing to get stuck in and get your hands dirty.
- Also flexible and be prepared to move around the City and be willing to go wherever you're needed.
- Very Important - you will need to use your initiative and be very proactive, be patient and determined.
- Like most conservation work, there are spiders and snakes in some locations, so you should reconsider this project if you have a fear of these.
- Lastly, self-reliance and independence will help you make the most of this wonderful opportunity!
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
Varies depending on length. Starts from 2,920
Cost Include Description:
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. 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.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- animal welfare
- 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!Age Range
From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.This Program is open to
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
- Independent living
Participants Travel to Australia
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Resume
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
within 5 working daysPost 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
