Rewarding Chance to Care for Needy Animals at Malaysian Wildlife Park!

  Malaysia

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: Get up close and personal with Borneo's native wildlife and threatened species. You'll work with a huge variety of animals and have a real experience caring and learning about this wonderful creatures. Have you always had a passion for helping animals and being a caretaker inside the gate touching and playing with the animals? This is certainly the place to do it! You will truly be making a difference at this project and inspire others to take interest in endangered of Malaysia and the world.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Many species in Borneo are endangered and so the Wildlife Park has a very important role in educating the public in conservation and awareness of environmental issues.
On this project you'll assist in the following areas;
--> Elephants
--> Primates (Orang-Utans and Monkeys)
--> Carnivores (Clouded Leopards, Tigers, Otters, Civets and Sun Bears)
--> Children's Zoo
--> Rhinos, Deer and other Hoofstock
--> Birds

The Wildlife Park is set in a 280 acre forest reserve is in the district of Penampang, just 15 kms south west of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is run by the Sabah Wildlife Department and has been developed with education and fostering awareness of conservation issues in mind. Unlike some other zoo's in the region, the Wildlife Park has a large amount of space and is able to focus on providing animals with enclosures which imitate natural conditions as much as possible whilst still providing visitors with a wonderfully close encounter. For children the petting area provides a hands on experience and the chance to learn about conservation.

The park aims to;
--> Increase Public Awareness
--> Provide World Class animal facilities and enclosures
--> Start an environmental education programme
--> Make captive breeding of endangered species possible
--> Allow research activities to take place

At Lok Kawi, keeper and animal interaction is an important part of keeping the animals well looked after and healthy. Your role will be to assist keepers in their daily duties in looking after the animals, however, not all of the animals are tame and therefore you'll only be allowed hands on contact with some of the animals.

Travellers have worked closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department for several years and are very proud of their successful partnership. In the past, several volunteers that have joined Travellers Orang-Utan project have been invited by the Sabah Wildlife Department to help with various projects to set up the Wildlife Park. One Travellers' volunteer assisted in the design of the sun bear enclosure and another who had experience in graphic design produced the Wildlife Parks information pamphlet. Travellers are delighted to have been involved in the Wildlife Park since it's early development in 2003.

Travellers are proud to have had the opportunity to donate 5,140.00 pound from the Bridge The Gap Foundation (The Phil Perkes Trust) to sponsor the Children's Zoo. The Children's Zoo is first and foremost an educational facility with an information centre currently under construction that will boast live exhibits. Brightly painted murals engage attention and the petting zoo allows children to have hands on contact with domestic animals and wildlife to encourage learning about conservation. Within the petting area there are animals such as Rabbits, Tortoise, Miniature Ponies and Goats. Travellers' donation reflects their commitment in education and raising awareness about conservation.

YOUR WORK:
Working hours are generally between 8.00am - 12.00am and 2.00pm - 5.00pm. This project is for a fixed period of 4 weeks and group departures leave every 4 weeks or thereabouts.
All contact with animals will be supervised by staff at the Wildlife Park, and hands-on contact will be restricted only to the tamed animals.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into real Malaysian Borneo.
--> The enormous satisfaction of working with these incredible animals and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or Resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!

Highlights:
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation has been arranged within staff quarters on the grounds of the Wildlife Park. One of the staff quarters has been released for the sole use of volunteers. This accommodation has two bedrooms, a living/dining area, a western style toilet and a separate shower. There is a kitchen with a kettle and fridge for your use. Meals will be prepared for you by a caretaker and you'll have plenty of opportunities to socialise with others.

Malaysia has lovely weather all year round with lots of sunshine and you will have some time during your free days to explore the local region and visit some of the tourist attractions.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
--> Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
--> If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
--> It's as easy as that.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! you should have a high level of fitness and able to work as part of a team conducting physical work in hot and humid conditions. You should be able to cope in a tropical environment with insects, snakes, bugs and leeches and have a genuine interest in Wildlife and recognize the educational importance of having animals in a Wildlife Park such as Lok Kawi. 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 has initiative.

Cost in US$: USD 3,795 for four week project.

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

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 children! 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.

Age Range: Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

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