Volunteer Opportunity
Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
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The project is located on Phuket an island off the south coast of Thailand; it currently houses over seventy gibbons. The aim of this project is the rehabilitation of gibbons back to their natural habitat additionally providing ongoing care to those unsuitable for repatriation, some of which are infected with communicable diseases.
The GRP houses a sanctuary dealing exclusively with gibbons many of whom have come to us by various means, from situations of abuse and cruelty. The GRP provides a refuge for these unfortunate animals who through no fault of their own have fallen victims to uncaring thoughtless humans. The sanctuary was created in 1992 by people concerned about the large number of gibbons being exploited in bars and restaurants in the Phuket area. As they were being kept illegally, the idea was to have them confiscated, houses them at the sanctuary then releases them into the forest.
Little knowledge of gibbons existed at the time but it quickly became apparent the most of the confiscated animals were quite incapable of ever leading a life of self-sufficiency in the forest. Their proximity and time spent with humans had destroyed all their natural behavioral patterns. A very few were found retaining the instincts to survive in the wild and these after a period of rehabilitation were released. The same situation exists today with the majority of gibbons staying with us on a long-term basis. For these animals, we provide on-going welfare, those with possibilities for release is entered into a programme where under the direction of our team of Thai Staff they are prepared for freedom. Amongst the activities the volunteers at the GRP are involved in are all aspects of welfare of the long stay gibbons and in the observation of the behavioral activities of the ones that have been given their freedom.
Volunteer Involvements:-
Volunteers work a six-day week usually for 8 hours per day. The routine work is divided into 4 main tasks.
1. Quarantine and Rehabilitation Site: this involved food preparation, feeding, cage maintenance, cleaning, enrichment, and observation (health check, vaginal check).
2. Reintroduction Site: this involved forest feeding, mapping and trail maintenance, follow up and data collection.
3. Conservation Education and Fund-raising: volunteer will give talk to tourists, educating them about the problems gibbon faces and selling merchandise.
4. Other: this could be normal office administration task or else upon situation. It should also be noted that volunteers are not allowed to handle the gibbons; physical contact is allowed only in the presence and under the supervision of the Thai staff. Also there is house rule policy that volunteer must followed as well in order to respect the culture and others.
Time requires: Minimum 3 weeks - maximum 6 months , all year round.
Price: Contact Volunteer Co-ordinator
Volunteers live in bungalow type buildings in a small village close to the sanctuary. Accommodation is basic with two people usually sharing a bedroom plus shelf, fan, mosquito net, pillow, cloth hanger, all other occupants of the bungalow share toilet, shower and cooking facilities. Food can easily be found at local restaurants. Also a local market and internet are available in the area.
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Requirement for working at GRP:
1. Volunteer must be over 18 years of age and in good physically fit.
2. The basic command of English spoken is essential needed.
3. No specific experience required but good teamwork skill.
4. Volunteers are required to have had all relevant vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Tuberculosis (TB), Diphtheria, Rabies, Pertissus, Tetanus and Japanese Encephalitis before entering to projects.
How to apply:-
Fill in the application form (download or print out from HERE) along with
- A short letter of motivation (250 words maximum) plus a description of related experience if applicable
- CV or Resume
- Recent passport size picture of yourself and photocopy of our passport
The application form can be both send to the following address, fax or via email:
Attention to
May
Volunteer Coordinator
The Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand
Phuket Office: Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
104/3 M.3 Paklock, Talang, Phuket 83110 Thailand
Fax: + 66 76 260491 or + 66 76 260 492
Email: volunteer@warthai.org
Applicants should be aware that submission of application form does not guarantee acceptance for inclusion at on of our projects. Travel arrangements should not be made until confirmation of acceptance has been received in writing from WAR.
WARF reserves the right to make any change of above information without prior notice.
More information please contact May, volunteer Coordinator
