This programme gives you the opportunity to do something a bit different on your trip to Thailand. You have the chance to volunteer at a rescue centre that is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals previously exploited or those that are suffering from neglect and improper care.
The aim is to give these animals the best possible life in captivity, with enclosures being as close as can be to nature and animals being reintroduced into the wild wherever possible. At the centre you will be able to help animals such as leopard cats, tigers, bears, crocodiles and exotic birds.
The Volunteer Programme
Situated approximately 170 kilometers south of Bangkok on the Gulf Coast, the Wildlife Rescue Centre has an idyllic setting on the 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 sanctuary is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals across the whole of Thailand. Many of the animals that are at the centre were previously kept as pets, were used as profit making tourist attractions or were rescued on their way to becoming a pet or tourist attraction through the illegal wildlife trade.
The aim of the centre is to rescue wild animals from places where they are being neglected and/or maltreated. The centre provides the animals with enclosures to live in that are as close to their own natural environment as possible. The animals are given the best possible care and they strive to care for all of Thailand’s animals, in particular the sick and disabled ones that no-one else is prepared to care for.
The centre provides the animals with shelter and wherever possible, the animals are reintroduced into the wild, however many of the animals come to the centre with permanent disabilities and as a result there are many animals at the centre that cannot be returned to the wild. The mission of the sanctuary is to give these animals the best quality of life that they can have while living in captivity.
You will find a wide variety of animals at the centre ranging from 2 species of gibbon, 5 species of macaques, several species of civets, bears, small and big cats including leopards & tigers, loris, many exotic birds and crocodiles.
Volunteer Activities
Much of your time as a volunteer will be spent preparing food for the animals, serving it to them and cleaning out their enclosures. This will include a variety of ancillary jobs, such as cleaning food bowls, equipment and food preparation areas. Other time will be spent preparing enrichments for the animals and also giving tours to visiting tourists.
Depending upon the number of volunteers at the time you are there and ongoing activities, there will also be work in connection with building/upgrading enclosures, usually involving a lot of digging and painting. On some occasions, volunteers will be able to take part in rescue missions outside the centre.
When time and resources are available, volunteers will be taken on night-safaris to observe animals in the wild (e.g. elephants) or on jungle trips and other nature/wildlife related activities.
You will be working according to a daily roster which will vary depending on the duties and number of volunteers sharing the work. Your jobs may include any of the following:
- Preparing fruit, vegetables and cooked meat for the animals
- Feeding the animals
- Sweeping and cleaning cages and enclosures
- Changing water bottles
- Providing the animals with enrichments i.e. interesting things to stimulate animals confined to cages
- Helping with the construction of new pens
- Clearing up around the centre and painting walls
- Looking after the animals in quarantine
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.
Although you will have no hands on contact with the animals the work is so rewarding that you don’t really need it. You will find that just watching the animals 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
Upon arrival at the centre you will be greeted by your volunteer coordinator. At this time you will have an orientation session which will include information regarding domestic items (eg 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 animals. If you arrive in enough time 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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