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Project Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participants health.
The Volunteer Project
Volunteering at this eco certified park will provide you with the unique opportunity to learn all about the fascinating Australian wildlife whilst enjoying your time in North Queensland. The programme is perfect whether you are travelling on a tourist visa or on a working holiday.
The focus at the park is promoting conservation and preservation of native species, with specialisation in the fauna of North Queensland. The Sanctuary does this through providing an interactive, information and fun day where animal presentations and shows continue right throughout the day. Interacting and involvement with customers makes up a substantial part of everyday. As a volunteer at the park you will be involved in a variety of hands-on wildlife, conservation and environmental projects from animal husbandry through to general park and enclosure maintenance.
About the sanctuary
The park was established 22 years ago and is privately owned and operated. The park allows much of the wildlife to roam free within the 25 acres of protected natural habitat, which comprises of rainforest, eucalypt forest and wetlands. With over 17 wildlife talks and presentations every day you will learn about the ecology, the habitats and the unusual characteristics of Australia’s unique animals. The park is dedicated to conservation through species survival programmes and you will experience one of the best interactive wildlife experiences in Australia.
A general outline of activities:
- Aussie Encounters – After training on correct handling techniques and tested knowledge of the animal/bird you will have the opportunity to conduct a short 2 minute presentation on lizards and proceed to handle lizards and birds with the public.
- Wombat talks - After observing five wombat talks and having training in correct handling techniques you will be tested on your knowledge of the wombat and then have the chance to conduct wombat talks with back up from the sanctuary staff.
- Koala Crescent – Volunteers, although unable to handle the koalas, can supervise the koalas and answer the public’s questions. You will be given three training sessions and be tested on your basic koala knowledge so that you are ready with the knowledge needed to answer the public’s questions.
- Python Handling – Training of python handling must be documented which involves five observation training sessions and five practical training sessions comprising:
- Taking out of enclosures and bagging
- Correct controlling and handling the python with the public
- Placing the python on peoples shoulders and hands (This is all optional for those with a fear of snakes!)
You will also be expected to contribute to the group’s tasks so that the work is spread evenly between participants. A moderate level of fitness is required, as the activities require you to walk to project sites within the park.
PLEASE NOTE The work is both physical and demanding but also very enjoyable and rewarding. You may be expected to do physical activities that involve digging, lifting and carrying items, but you will not be expected to work beyond your personal capabilities.
The sanctuary requires participants to have an interest in the field, be willing and physically capable, to use their own initiative and be able to lift up to 25kg.
Project Support
Throughout your stay at the park you will have the support of the project coordinator and park staff. They will be able to provide you with assistance during your programme and answer any questions you have as well as giving you advice and ideas for your spare time.
Furthermore you will still be able to contact Real Gap if you have any queries and a member of staff in the UK can be contact 24 hours a day via our emergency contact number if necessary.
Project Orientation
On Tuesday you will have an orientation day and tour of the park. Topics covered will include:
- An introduction to the park staff and a tour of the park
- Health and safety briefing (including areas that are off limits etc)
- Workplace ethics
- An information sheet on animals and birds that you will be involved with will be provided
- Explanation of Key and Locking policy
- An introduction to the area
- Meals and accommodation
- Transportation and free time
This will also be a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about your time at the park so that you feel comfortable in your new surroundings.
We require a minimum stay of 4 weeks so that you can really see the difference all your hard work is having!
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