Australia Koala Sanctuary Volunteer

The Koala Sanctuary Volunteer programme is perfect for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and would love the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world while surrounded by many of Australia’s native animals. You will be assisting the keepers with their various daily tasks around the sanctuary, which can include anything from feeding the animals to cleaning out their enclosures. In your free time you can explore the sanctuary at your leisure, visit your favourite koalas, spend time in bustling Brisbane or venture out to one of the nearby stunning beaches for a relaxing day off.

Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants health, as the work at the sanctuary can be very physical.

The Volunteer Programme
You will be volunteering at the world’s first and largest Koala Sanctuary, which is situated just 30 minutes away by bus from the heart of Brisbane and easily accessible from your accommodation.

When the Sanctuary was first established back in 1927 it had just 2 koalas, but now the sanctuary has over 130 koalas living in different homes around the sanctuary. The home that the koalas live in depends on their age and gender, and includes the "Boys" (your typical teenagers), the "Kindergarten" (toddlers galore!) and the "Retirement Home" (where the oldies can have a more quiet and relaxed lifestyle!)

However it’s not only koalas that live at the sanctuary. You will also find many of Australia’s native species living there including wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devil, 130 kangaroos, wallabies and dingo’s. Fruit Bats, kookaburras, quolls, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, parrots, birds of prey (eagles, owls), emus and cassowary also help to make up the interesting array of wildlife at the sanctuary. There is also an Outback Barn area, which holds daily sheep dog shows, a baby farm animal feeding area, and guinea pig and chick holding activities for the visitors.

Volunteer Activities
The sanctuary houses a large variety of Australia’s native species, and is divided into different sections: Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Macropods, Koalas and the hospital. Each day you are at the sanctuary you will be assigned to one of the keepers and will assist them with the daily care and maintenance of the animals in their section. This will allow you to experience working in different areas of the sanctuary and get to know all of the different species. Each morning you will be given a work plan so that you know what your responsibilities are for the day.

You can choose what days you want to work, which can include weekends (please note the availability of days when you can volunteer is dependent on how many volunteers the sanctuary have). Prior to your arrival we will find out from you what days you would like to work. However, these days can be changed and your volunteer schedule will be arranged for you during your orientation at the sanctuary.

A typical day at the sanctuary
The sanctuary is about a 30-minute bus ride from Brisbane and you will need to get there for an 8.30 am start. After being assigned to your keeper for the day, you will begin your work around the sanctuary. You will have a 20-minute morning tea break and 1 hour lunch break each day.

During your break time you are more than welcome to explore the sanctuary at your leisure or relax with your fellow volunteers. For lunch you can either bring your own food and drink or there is a café on site where you can purchase food at a discounted price. Your working day will finish at 3 pm so you will have time in the afternoons to explore the sanctuary or head back into Brisbane.

Please note: The animals at the sanctuary are kept as wild animals, living in an environment that resembles their natural habitats to enrich their lives. Although many respond well to people, there are some that are not always as friendly! Even the koalas who look friendly and cuddly can give a nasty bite or scratch, so for participant’s safety a member of staff will always be present when you are in an enclosure. Although you will be as involved as possible in many aspects of the running of the sanctuary, participants will be asked not to touch the animals unless they are told by a member of staff that they can.

There are some animals at the sanctuary that you won’t have any contact with as they are considered dangerous animals. These animals include Tasmanian Devil, Southern Cassowary, Flying Foxes, Wombats and Venomous reptiles. Although you will not be working with these animals at the sanctuary you will be able to visit them in your free time as often as you wish.

Project Support
Throughout your placement at the sanctuary you will have the support and guidance of your volunteer coordinator and sanctuary staff. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

Project Orientation
Prior experience is not necessary to take part in this programme, as you will receive training while on the project. On your first Monday at the sanctuary you will have an orientation session which is designed to familiarise you with the sanctuary and give you further information about the activities you can expect to be involved in throughout the project.

Accommodation and Meals
Your accommodation throughout the programme will be at a backpackers hostel in Brisbane. The hostel is a peaceful haven in the heart of Brisbane city and benefits from modern state of the art facilities and an exceptionally clean self-catering kitchen. You will be staying in a dormitory room that is clean, air-conditioned and spacious.

Meals are not included in the programme price but there is a supermarket less than a block away and a 24-hour convenience store nearby where you can purchase food to take back to the hostel and cook in the self-catering kitchen. Alternatively, sample some of Brisbane’s many restaurants with your fellow volunteers and travellers. For lunch you can either bring your own food with you to the sanctuary, or there is a café on site where you can buy lunch at a discounted rate.