Gibbon Rescue Project - Phuket Island, Thailand

  Thailand

• Phuket: 
Phuket

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: Gibbons are small monkeys that inhabit the lowland forests of Southeast Asia. Thailand's gibbons are threatened by the destruction of their rainforest habitat and by poachers who hunt them for meat, medicine and the exotic pet trade. The animals are commonly exploited to attract tourists in bars and on street corners in Phuket and nearby Bangkok as well. Since 1992 this project, founded in cooperation with the Asian Wildlife Fund, has been rehabilitating rescued gibbons for release back into the wild. The project currently houses over 70 rescued gibbons.

As a volunteer, you will help run and maintain the facilities. Typical activities include preparing food, cleaning, and repairing and building new enclosures, and talking tourists about the threats gibbons face and the work being done at the center. You may also assist with the release of animals back to their natural habitat, which involves observation to ensure the animals are adapting successfully. Long term volunteers (two months or more) may be able to assist researchers with behavioral studies.

Highlights: Volunteers live in bungalows in a tiny village close to the work site. Rooms will be shared with another volunteer. Bathrooms, showers and kitchen facilities are shared with the bungalow inhabitants. No meals are provided, however a local market and restaurants can be found in the village, and are usually very inexpensive.

This project is located on the island of Phuket, home to numerous resorts and the top beach-vacation destination in Southeast Asia.

Qualifications: It is helpful if volunteers are interested in animals and conservation. If you have recently completed studies in a related field (biology, ecology, veterinary sciences) you may be eligible to participate in research projects. Volunteers must also be capable of physical labor, walking long distances and be able to stand high temperatures. Certain vaccinations are required before joining this project, your Greenheart Travel coordinator will give you more details.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985