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Rescued gibbons, a primate native to Thailand, are rehabilitated and where possible returned to the wild. Gibbons live on specially adapted islands, allowing them to learn to forage for food and therefore survive back in the wild. As a volunteer you will witness this wonderful work and become involved in studies carried out into gibbon behaviour as well as the essential daily activities of this Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre.
The Volunteer Programme
Situated approximately 170km south of Bangkok on the Gulf Coast, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre is set on the idyllic grounds of Kao-Look-Chang temple, overlooking a large lake with mountains in the background, surrounded by forest, and only a 10 minute walk away from the temple buildings and the village of Kao-Look-Chang.
The centre homes many different species of Thailand’s wild animals, but a large percentage of animals that are brought to the centre are gibbons, a small ape that is native to some parts of Thailand. The gibbon is an endangered primate and the centre runs a rehabilitation programme for them, with the overall aim of returning these beautiful creatures to the wild.
The islands that the gibbons live on are situated on the beautiful lake that the rescue centre overlooks, so you can watch the gibbons enjoying their new habitat, swinging through the trees and hearing them sing their unique songs to each other. Two pairs of gibbons who are living on two of the islands have already produced young, therefore showing the ultimate in natural behaviour!
The gibbons are helped along the way by being fed small amounts of food that supplements their diet, however the aim is that they will soon learn to forage for themselves from the natural resources available to them on their new island homes. The food is transported over to the islands by boat where it is then placed into a basket and hoisted up into the trees, therefore making sure that there is no human contact with the gibbons.
Volunteer Activities
You will be working according to a daily schedule which will vary depending on the duties and number of volunteers sharing the work.
Care for the animals is required 365 days a year, with the rescue centre operating on a six-day working week, whereby volunteers request their days off each week. Typically you will be working about 6-8 hours a day having several breaks throughout the day.
Research programmes are implemented at the centre to study the behaviour of both wild and captive gibbons. The islands provide volunteers with the unique opportunity to assist in the study of the behaviour of gibbons who have previously been kept in captivity.
As a volunteer you will get to witness this wonderful work and become involved in the studies that are carried out into gibbon behaviour.
Although you will have no hands on contact with the gibbons, the work is so rewarding that you don’t really need it. You will find that just watching them interact with each other, enjoying their food and enrichments you give to them is satisfying enough in itself.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants health.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Thailand you will have the support and guidance of our volunteer coordinator and team. 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
You will be transported to the centre and greeted by your volunteer coordinator. You will have an orientation session that will include information regarding domestic items (e.g. toilets, drinking water, meals, laundry etc) as well as a brief description of the work that you will be doing. This will also include instructions on health and safety regarding proximity to the gibbons. If you arrive before it gets dark a member of staff or one of the long-term volunteers will give you a tour of the rescue centre. Otherwise, a full tour will be given after breakfast the following morning.
The first week will follow with an induction programme to train you on the variety of different projects, working alongside experienced long-term volunteers and/or the volunteer coordinator.
Accommodation and Meals
Throughout your time on the programme your accommodation will be on site at the centre in simple 2, 3 or 4 bedded rooms, most of which have non flushing European style toilets and showers. You will be provided with 3 meals a day. You will be able to prepare your own breakfast and snacks, for which a variety of items are provided (bread, butter, jam, peanut butter, eggs and a large variety of fresh fruit and veg). Toasters and various cooking materials are also available for use.
Lunch and dinner will be served as a small buffet. This is typically Thai style food with rice (but less spicy than traditional Thai food!), although on some occasion’s western style food is offered (e.g. sandwiches, pasta, etc.). There will be a variety of dishes to suit all tastes including dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Drinking water, tea and coffee are also provided.
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