Work at a Gibbon Sanctuary in Thailand

  Thailand

• Bangkok: 
Bangkok

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Why not spend a few weeks swinging with endangered gibbons at a sanctuary in the lush rainforests of Thailand. You will get involved in a host of activities including feeding, data collection, cleaning cages and general animal welfare and, as you will be staying at the sanctuary, there will be plenty of opportunity to really get to know these fascinating animals. Included in your trip are also a few nights in Bangkok to ensure that you have plenty of time to explore Thailand's buzzing and captivating capital.

*What the project does and why it needs you!
This animal rescue project in Ranong was established to help protect the endangered gibbon population. The project cares for gibbons who can not survive in the wild due to poor health or emotional trauma. Some gibbons also are brought to the sanctuary because their owners can no longer afford to keep them. The workers at the sanctuary treat sick and injured gibbons as well as care for those animals too dependent on humans to survive on their own in the wild.

*Day 1: Arrive into Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok. Our guide will meet and greet you at the airport.

*Day 2: Orientation and Bangkok tour
Take a tour on foot to experience a different side of bustling Bangkok. Combine your walk with a taxi-boat cruise, tuk-tuk and Skytrain, etc. Tonight you will board the air-conditioned over-night bus to Ranong.

*Day 3: Ranong
You will arrive in the morning and have some time to sample the local cuisine. After breakfast you will be transferred to the project. The project is located in a small village but is only 1 hour from Ranong town and 2 hours from Phuket. You will have an orientation where you will meet the project staff and take a tour of the sanctuary.

*Day 4 to 26: Work at gibbon sanctuary
For the next few weeks you will work full-time with the staff to help with the day to day running of the gibbon sanctuary. Your daily routine may include feeding, cleaning cages and general care of the gibbons. Other projects include helping collect statistics, surveying and educating the villagers.

*Day 27: Travel from Ranong to Bangkok
After saying farewell to your new friends, furry and otherwise, you will take a night bus back to Bangkok.

*Day 28: Bangkok
You will arrive in Bangkok early in the morning and will need to take a taxi to your accommodation. Your room will be reserved for early check in. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy Bangkok. Go hunting for some great bargains, visit stunning temples - Wat Pho is a must for a great Thai massage - and be sure to sample the local cuisine from the food stalls that line the streets.

*Day 29: Depart for airport
Spend the morning picking up last minute gifts and filling up on delicious Thai food. You will be taken to the airport in time to catch your flight.

Highlights:
* Feeding gibbons at sunrise
* Living in a rainforest
* Experiencing the genuine friendliness of rural Thailand
* Touring Bangkok - Thailand's vibrant capital city

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This project is perfect for ape lovers or anyone interested in wildlife conservation.

What you'll be doing:
You will have full days at the project (up to 8 hours a day) doing a host of activities including preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning cages, helping with health checks and data collection.

Advice and what to bring:
It's a good idea to bring some comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty and some work gloves. Please note that volunteers are required to have had all relevant vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Tuberculosis (TB), Diphtheria, Rabies, Pertissus, Tetanus and Japanese Encephalitis before entering the project.

Cost in US$: USD 2305.00 for 4 weeks

* Accommodation: Shared room in hostel in Bangkok and basic bungalow hut at project.
* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately USD 70 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994