Description:
Join the staff at 'The best Little Zoo in the World' in their work of housing rescued animals and providing wildlife education to the people and especially the students of Belize. The centre receives visits from over 15,000 school students each year and there is always a need for energetic volunteers to join the work.
If you are excited about animals and sharing your passion, then the Caribbean Wildlife Centre needs you!
The centre is also well located to allow you to explore the wonders that Belize has to offer. You could chose to spend your free time hiking in the tropical rainforests, snorkeling on amazing coral reefs or just relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
The exact nature of the work you will be doing varies all the time and there is no such thing as a 'typical' day but generally the day will start at 8am and end between 5pm and 6pm depending on responsibilities during that day. A rota system is followed for the jobs so that the duties are fairly distributed. Volunteers are assigned to a zookeeper at the start of each working day and will assist in:
* food prep
* animal husbandry practices including cleaning and maintenance of enclosures
* watering
* providing enrichment
* animal encounters and animal introductions when they occur
* caring for newborns or orphan animals
You also have the opportunity to get involved in the Education Department where you can assist with educating local school groups of the need to conserve the local environment.
Experience with animals would be an advantage but is not a limiting factor for your involvement in tasks and you will be scheduled where you are most needed and where your skills can be used to the maximum advantage.
Highlights:
By volunteering at this project you will make a major contribution to the welfare of animals in Belize. Your time and efforts will help to care for the animals, and the majority of the programme cost will go direct to the centre providing a vital source of funding for their work.
On a personal level you will have a unique opportunity to work alongside some incredible Central American wildlife alongside very knowledgeable keepers and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a difference to the lives of these animals.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
No previous experience is required, just energy and enthusiasm to work with kids and animals. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Language:
English
Cost in US$: 2 weeks: GBP 695, extra weeks: 300 USD
Cost Includes: * A comprehensive information booklet
* Travel advice and assistance
* Accommodation (a simple shared room)
* All main meals
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
animal welfare,
clerical and office work,
community organizing,
eco-tourism,
environment,
marketing,
office work,
volunteering,
wildlife surveying
and youth
Age Range: 18 and above
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Apartment/Flat
Participants Travel to Belize
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
- Phone Interview
Post Services Include:
Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement: PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.
Year Founded: 2001