Volunteer at an Animal Sanctuary in Florida, USA

  United States

Florida City

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: Help provide lifetime care to rescued big cats, monkeys, bears and wolves in the USA at a well known sanctuary near Zolfo Springs in Florida. The 90-acre facility provides lifetime care to almost 150 exotic animals, rescued from situations of abuse or neglect. The sanctuary offers large, natural habitats, an enriching environment and high quality care. Volunteers can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the healing atmosphere of this rural, wooded sanctuary setting. Everyone pitches in to perform the wide range of duties involved: sorting and cutting fruit for fruit bats and monkeys, feeding all of the animals and providing enrichment, cleaning enclosures, building habitats, maintaining the grounds and other chores. The sanctuary is accredited by the American Sanctuary Association and is a WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) Member Society. Full training will be given in all aspects of animal care and basic but comfortable shared accommodation and home cooked food are also provided.

Highlights: Experience caring for exotic rescued animals, learn about the issues surrounding their captivity and the commitment required to ensure a lifetime of quality care for the animals. Understand the behaviors and methods of communication of the various species at the sanctuary as well as their natural history. All food, accommodation and training included.

Qualifications: Full Training will be given. The ability to communicate in English, work independently and have an enthusiasm and love for animals are the only required skills. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and be physically fit enough to endure long days in the hot sun. Documentation of a negative Tuberculosis test within the past 12 months or proof of a TB vaccine is required for the protection of the primates.   

When the volunteer numbers are limited, you must be comfortable with spending quiet evenings in your own company; but when there are several volunteers, evenings tend to be anything but quiet! Of course, you can always retreat to your cabin for some solitude.

Cost in US$: From $1910 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer! All participants must be enthusiastic, interested in conservation and prepared to work in a team.

Age Range: 18 - 65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max 6

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998