Orientation
You will recieve an introduction to the programme during your journey from the airport to the Sanctuary. During your first couple of days you will be given a detailed orientation.
Your initial orientation and training will cover:
- Basic animal care techniques
- Formula and diet preparation
- Proper bedding and housing
- Enrichment
- Cleaning
- Maintenance
- Safety procedures and regulations
- Training within the area you will be working
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying in shared living quarters either in a small house or static caravans on the sanctuary grounds. The accommodation is basic but comfortable with private bathrooms with hot showers, electricity, air conditioning, TV, DVD and VCR. Linen will be provided. Laundry facilities and a full kitchen are available in the main house. There is an onsite phone that you can be used with a prepaid phone card.
Female volunteers generally stay in the small house off site while male volunteers are accommodated in the static caravans on site. It is the responsibility of volunteers to keep accommodation clean and tidy.
Food and groceries are provided for the volunteers. You will have to prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen in the main house or in the volunteers’ quarters. Volunteers are required to clean up after themselves.
Free Time
The volunteer hours are long but you will have most evenings free and usually two half days off per week. Volunteers are needed onsite 7 days per week. You will have time to relax and unwind on site as the rehab centre is located in a rural area and there is not a local bus service available. It may be a good idea to take books and games for leisure time and in the evenings where you can socialise with the other volunteers. Without renting a car your free time activities will be limited to staying at the accommodation. You must be over 25 to rent a car.
Programme Support
Throughout your stay, you will have the support and guidance of the programme staff. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. In addition, you will receive a contact for onsite staff when you arrive and we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 21 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Volunteers will also require proof of a TB vaccine or a current negative TB test within the past 12 months. If you wish to work with bats you will also require rabies vaccinations.
