Hands-On Animal Care in a Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia with Travellers Worldwide (TWA038)

  Australia

• Perth: 
Perth

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available all year round

Description: You will work in two sanctuaries that cover approximately 5,620 acres and are home to an array of plant species and wildlife, including many unique mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Threatened wildlife at the sanctuaries includes at least 15 species including:

--> Black-flanked Rock-wallaby
--> Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong)
--> Quenda
--> Tammar Wallaby
--> Numbat
--> Quokka

On-ground conservation programs are well established at the sanctuaries so you will be making significant environmental contributions. For example, helping with large-scale, practical conservation programs to provide a more secure future for threatened animals and their habitats, seed collection, planting, fencing, weeding and fauna surveys.

Australia is home to more biodiversity than any other developed nation on Earth. In fact Australia is one of the six most biodiverse nations on the planet - over 80% of its mammals, flowering plants and reptiles are only found in Australia! The flora and fauna is so unique you'll continually be amazed.

CHALLENGING ACTIVITIES YOU MAY UNDERTAKE INCLUDES:
--> Biodiversity research
--> Biodiversity surveys & monitoring
--> Conservation of priority species
--> Feral animal control (feral cats, foxes)
--> Fire management
--> Re-vegetation & rehabilitation
--> Threatened species reintroductions
--> Weed control and dieback control
--> Ecology research and visitors programs - An educational visitor program is well established at one of the sanctuaries and volunteers may assist with the evening spotlighting tour.
--> Any other work related to the ongoing conservation project, for example, tree planting, fencing or walking trail construction.

Hours can vary depending on the work which needs to be done, the time of year, season etc. You will generally work five days a week, usually with early starts. Days may include weekends but you will have two days off a week. Please be aware that you will not have hands on contact with animals on this project as they are living in wild conditions within the sanctuary. This project will suit someone with a love of wildlife and an appreciation of nature.

Your project is located approximately 1 hour drive from Perth, Western Australia. Your accommodation is based on one of the sanctuaries so you can fall asleep at night listening to the wonderful bush noises! You will have television and access to toilets and hot showers.

This project requires you to live and volunteer in quite a remote area and you must therefore be aware that nightly entertainment isn't always close at hand. You should be willing and capable of spending a lot of time in the Bush, and be able to cope with basic amenities.

Highlights: Perth was built on the banks of the magnificent Swan River over 150 years ago and is now a city rich in culture and filled with theatres, art galleries and museums. The city is modern and vibrant - a fun, friendly and 'laid back' place, with clear skies and a sunny climate. Western Australia is locally known as the 'state of excitement!'

Some of its more famous attractions include Kings Park, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle and the Swan River. Fremantle (or as the local's call it, 'Freo') is the city's port and is rich in history. At weekends you will find markets, entertainment and plenty of alfresco style cafes to laze in.

Perth has restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is of course the great Australian BBQ. Barbeque facilities are abundant in local parks - take your own food and cook up a feast, Australian style!

For meals in local restaurants, a trip to Perth's inner city centre is well worth the effort - it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! All nationalities are also welcome. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and who has initiative. Additional requirements are as follows:

--> 20 years of age
--> Have an international drivers licence
--> Minimum stay of one month
--> Physically fit to join this project
--> Good command of the English language
--> Using the equipment may require training; therefore you need to display initiative and persistence.
--> It would be of benefit if you had a first aid certificate.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length, but starts at 1,720 USD

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of animals! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 20 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: From 20 years old and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Australia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995