Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could help endangered animal species and even release some back into their natural habitat? At the Wildlife Rescue Center in Bali, you have the chance to get involved in animal and habitat conservation. In addition to the care and rehabilitation measures, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and become part of the local community. It's a real adventure where your commitment serves a real purpose and you can gain hands-on experience in animal care. You will realize how your daily contribution benefits the welfare of the animals, always with the aim of releasing certain animals back into the wild.
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure?
Since 2011, our partner organization has been operating one of seven animal rehabilitation centers in Indonesia in Tabanan, where indigenous, endangered wild animals are supported. Throughout Indonesia, wild animals are displaced by deforestation, clearing for palm oil and rubber plantations or the construction of roads in remote areas. Outside their natural habitat, animals and birds are more easily targeted by poachers and animal traffickers. The primates and birds in the center's care, including gibbons, macaques, eagles, cockatoos and peacocks, were mostly confiscated by officials from markets, private homes or businesses where they were kept as pets or for entertainment. Some of the animals were also handed over by private individuals. Currently, over 40 endangered primates and birds are being cared for at the rehabilitation center. The organization's work includes the care, rehabilitation and, where possible, release of animals into their natural habitat. Most of the rescued birds and animals are too old or too injured for rehabilitation and are housed and cared for in facilities like the Rescue Center for the rest of their lives. Although some can be rehabilitated and released, the process is lengthy and there are few suitable places for release.
Volunteers are needed at the Rescue Center to assist with the variety of tasks to provide the best possible care for the animals and birds. The volunteer program offers you the opportunity to gain experience in animal care and welfare. You will also work with locals and learn a lot about Indonesia's unique culture.
The activities at the Rescue Center are varied. The main tasks of the volunteers include keeping the animals occupied, preparing food and feeding the animals, cleaning and maintaining the enclosures, assisting with medical care, monitoring the behavior of the animals, especially the new arrivals and the animals to be released.
Your working hours are 5-6 hours per day, 6 days a week. Volunteers are expected to take a day off during the week. During the week, there are also volunteers working every day who do not stay overnight in the accommodation and help out. At weekends, however, only the animal keepers work and that's when your support is needed. You always work together with the local team. A typical working day at the Rescue Center can look like this: 6-7 am, you help prepare food and feed different animal species. 7-8 a.m. is time for breakfast. 8-9 a.m. you help with cleaning the enclosures. 10-11 a.m. Garden and/or maintenance work is carried out, such as maintaining the outdoor facilities, paths and surroundings. 11-14 o'clock is scheduled for the lunch break. 2 - 4 p.m.: Work/behavioral support with the animals to promote their well-being. From 4 pm you have free time for the rest of the day. Occasionally there is also the opportunity for volunteers to be involved in animal observation tasks. Especially when new animals arrive at the center and their behavior needs to be studied. Animals that are about to be released are also observed more closely.
The tasks and times can also change depending on requirements. It is therefore important that you remain flexible and open and can adapt to new circumstances. As a rule, the volunteering schedule is discussed the evening before. If in doubt or if anything is unclear, you can of course always ask the project staff. The work can also be physically demanding due to the tropical climate and early working hours. However, you will soon get used to it. The general rule at the center is that the animals are not touched or handled during work.
The rehabilitation center is located on the outskirts of the town of Tabanan in central Bali. The location is not completely secluded, but still has a rural character, surrounded by rice fields, villages and nature. The center is still within walking distance of everything you need for your daily needs. Supermarkets, launderettes, ATMs, restaurants and markets are all within easy reach. In the surrounding villages you will find cafés and local warungs serving simple Indonesian dishes. A few restaurants also offer western dishes. Hospitals are also located nearby. Basically, everything you need is available at the project location, with simple equipment and local standards. For a little more choice or special products, you can also go to Denpasar.
In your free time, you can explore the surrounding area, the authentic landscape and villages of Bali. There are already a number of sights nearby, such as the rice terraces in Jatiluwih. Or you can explore the beaches of Tabanan, such as Yeh Gangga, Kedungu or Pasut Beach. You can experience Balinese culture by visiting one of the many temples. The Tanah Lot temple, for example, is well worth a visit.
Arrival:
The quickest and cheapest way to get to Bali is by domestic flight in Indonesia. If you have a little more time, you can also travel to Bali overland and by ferry.
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, it takes about an hour to get to the center. You can take a normal cab or a Grab or Gojek cab (bookable via app). Alternatively, the project also offers a pick-up service for an extra charge.
No animal-related qualifications or experience are required. If you have special knowledge, be it in the animal sector or in other areas, this is of course very welcome and a great help. Otherwise, you should generally have an interest in species conservation and animal care. You are a guest of the flora and fauna of the island and also a guest of the people of the island and their culture. Accordingly, you should treat the ecosystem, your fellow volunteers, the staff and the local inhabitants with respect and observe local behavior. You should also be fit enough to work in a tropical climate.
You should have a sufficiently good command of English. Some of the employees speak English, others are still learning English. When communicating, you should be patient and speak a little more slowly with some employees. In this way, you can help the employees to improve their English, which is extremely important for them. The same applies to communication in general: if you are open-minded and want to know more about certain things, ask and talk to the employees.
The accommodation is simple but functional. All volunteers live in the main house of the rehabilitation center. It has simple bedrooms with single beds. Bed linen is provided. Some rooms are equipped with fans, others with air conditioning. There is a shared bathroom with two toilets and a shower. However, there is not always hot water for showering. There is a small kitchen in the house for preparing meals and a common room where you can meet up with other volunteers. There is a supermarket very close to the center where you can buy your food. It is also in the perfect location, with many restaurants selling authentic Indonesian food for cheap. It is a small center overall and there can only be up to 10 volunteers on site at a time. W-LAN is available in the main house. Laundry can be done on site, by hand, or you can use a laundromat near the center.
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