Rewarding Wildlife Rehabilitation near Popular Perth with Travellers Worldwide

  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: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round

Description: You'll work at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Perth, aimed at caring for injured, orphaned, displaced or sick animals. You'll work with many Native species, to assist in their rehabilitation and eventual release, as well as educating the local community about the need to conserve and protect local wildlife.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Down Under Oz!
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market --> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW: ABOUT THE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE:
A highly rewarding hands-on placement working with Native Wildlife. Australia's unique animals are known throughout the world and are a major part of its natural heritage, making it an essential destination for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife.

The Centre opened during the 1960s and has seen continual growth since this time - it is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers from the local community, with the support of local businesses. Together they are committed to the protection and welfare of native wildlife. Wildlife brought to centre is examined in the hospital and appropriate care is administered including medication, crop feeding, physiotherapy and veterinary surgery. Quality care is provided and directed towards doing what is best for a distressed native animal with the ultimate goal of returning the animal to its native habitat.

When an animal is ready to be released it is transferred to a suitable location within the community and its progress monitored so that the centre can ensure that the repatriation has been successful. Approximately 60% of admissions are successfully nursed back to good health and released into their natural habitats. The centre's recognition of Australia's native species and the need to ensure their continued survival has led them to develop several breeding programmes for species on the edge of extinction. Captive breeding programmes are now underway for the endangered Bilby and Western Barred Bandicoots.

A 'hands-on' educational programme has also been established at the centre to ensure that children learn about the protection of native wildlife from a young age. Nocturnal visits can be arranged for small groups of children to show wildlife feeding and interacting with each other.

YOUR WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Over 100 volunteers work at the centre, covering two shifts per day, every day of the year. The day-to-day activities of the volunteers provide for all of the needs of the animals and the operation of the centre. Specific tasks include nursing and feeding sick and injured birds and animals, cleaning and maintenance, administration and public education.

YOU WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE INVOLVED WITH THE FOLLOWING...
--> The rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. This means giving care to the animals at the same time as promoting independence to ensure they become ready for release back into the wild.
--> The endangered species captive breeding programme.
--> Educating the community about the need to preserve wildlife and eco systems and to value wildlife as a resource for a healthier living planet. This may involve using the centre's educational animals to help with wildlife displays.
--> You'll assist with weighing and preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures and the hospital, acting as a general assist in the hospital and recording information.
You will be required to assist with all areas of work and will need to capable of mucking in to do whatever is required of you.

Highlights: The Importance of Conservation in Australia:
Australia supports a significant proportion of the World's biodiversity - over 80% of its mammals, flowering plants and reptiles are only found in Australia. The destruction and fragmentation of habitat, particularly as a result of clearance of vegetation for agriculture, and the impact of feral animals and invasive weeds, has had a substantial impact on Australia's biodiversity.

Since European settlers arrived in Australia 22 mammal species have become extinct - the worst mammal extinction rate in the World. Around 20% of Australia's remaining mammals species are now threatened with extinction. These alarming figures indicate how vital the conservation of native Australian wildlife really is.

About Perth:
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 locals 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!
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

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! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and who has initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length, but starts at 2,545 USD

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 18 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: 18 years 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