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JAVA WILDLIFE RESCUE VOLUNTEERING, INDONESIA

Wildlife rescue volunteering in the amazing heart of Indonesia!

java wildlife Get involved in Wildlife Rescue Volunteering. You’ll be helping our friends and neighbours in Indonesia. Moreover, you will contribute to vital work in caring for rescued animals and using enrichment to improve their lives.

The decline of Indonesia’s rainforests is resulting in reducing numbers of orangutans and other endangered species. Often, young animals are captured from the wild and sold illegally, to be kept as pets in cramped cages. This is where the rescue centre comes in.

Help with Animal Care and Enrichment

The centre accepts and cares for animals rescued from illegal ownership. If possible, it rehabilitates and releases them back into the wild. Sadly, many animals cannot be released due to behavioural or health conditions caused by their previous owner. So the centre becomes their permanent home. Our wildlife rescue volunteering opportunities allow you to get close to the animals and help improve their welfare.For instance, by creating and implementing enrichment activities. This centre is very well-established and has operated for over 20 years. Importantly, it employs more than 30 staff from the adjoining village. Moreover, it meets our standards for Ethical Animal Volunteering.

ENQUIRE NOW

• INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION, MEALS AND ALL ACTIVITIES with Staff Supervision.
• MINIMUM AGE: 18 and above
• DURATION:  min. 2 weeks
• OPERATION: All year round 

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:
♥ CARE FOR RESCUED ANIMALS
♥ FROM ORANGUTANS & GIBBONS TO BIRDS & REPTILES
♥ LEARN ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE
♥ REHABILITATION AND RELEASE

From  £ 395 or € 450*
for 2 weeks

My trip was amazing!! I learnt a lot about Wildlife…the center is located in a beautiful area. Everything is well organized. During my stay, the staff supported me with everything (activities, laundry, food…) The accommodation and facilities were comfortable. Highly recommended!!

Elodie, 2024

Shadow an Animal Keeper

Working with different animals and keepers each day, you will be exposed to the full spectrum of wildlife at the centre. You will participate in food preparation and feeding, enclosure cleaning and animal enrichment activities and also spend some time at the vet clinic – a fantastic opportunity to observe, learn about the animals and ask questions! You will also participate in structured animal observation and possibly in building or developing the enclosures, if the need arises.

Animal Enrichment

Preparing enrichment items and activities is an important part of the volunteer work. Crucially, enrichments suited to the different species will allow the animals to maintain both their physical and mental health. They provide the necessary stimulation to the captive animals. Also, enrichment can help to teach natural skills that may have been lost due to their capture from the wild.

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Work Schedule

Together with the Indonesian staff, your work schedule will be for 6 days, Monday to Saturday. You will start at 7 am and finish by 4 pm. A long lunch break, from 11.30 to 1 pm is included to allow you to recover from working in the tropical heat of the jungle.

Of course, there is also time for leisure on your days off. Visit the local bat caves or admire the beautiful waterfalls. There is also a chance to go shopping in the nearest town Sukabumi.

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Primate rehabilitation internship

Be an ethical and informed animal volunteer

The health and safety of the animals, staff and volunteers are our priority and we take this very seriously. You will be provided with ample guidance and expected to adhere to this:

  • The centre operates a strict ‘no contact’ policy. This is not only to prevent the spread of zoonotic disease ( such as COVID) but also to allow the animals to display natural behaviour and mingle with their own kind.
  • There are proper health and safety practices. For instance, always wash your hands before and after preparing food, cleaning enclosures or having breaks. If you are unwell, then please advise the staff or volunteer coordinator as soon as you can, for your own protection and for the animals.
  • Be alert and always aware of your surroundings. In practice, this means no headphones or music when working around the animals. Don’t leave items lying around or within easy reach such as tools, hoses, even jewellery that can be grabbed. Long hair should be tied up.
  • Never tease or provoke an animal. In particular, primates can be agitated by unusual behaviour. Often they may try to grab you when you walk past, so never turn your back and be careful when moving around.

HOW TO BOOK

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START DATES:

This project operates all year round.

Please note that during the Ramadan fasting period, availability may be limited.

adopt an ape noni

MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years

AVERAGE GROUP SIZE: 4 – 8 Volunteers 

Pricing from January 2025. For longer stays, please contact us here

PRICING FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS

2 Weeks
£ 395

Equivalent to:

€440*

$475*

3 Weeks
£ 535

Equivalent to:

€605*

$645*

4 Weeks
£675

Equivalent to:

€780*

$840*

Includes:

  • All project activities
  • Dormitory-style accommodation
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Drinks ( water, coffee, tea)
  • Laundry service

Excludes:

  • Transfer to/from airport to project NOT included
  • We can arrange a taxi for an extra fee
  • International flight fares
  • Travel insurance and Visa costs
  • Food/activities not included in the project

HOW TO BOOK

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Accommodation

You will sleep at one of the single-sex ( male and female) dormitories at the centre. These have bunkbeds. Pillows and blankets are provided. The showers are Indonesian style which is more or less a cold water bucket. Luckily, the tropical temperature allows for the water to be luke-warm most of the time! A laundry service is provided. Also, the volunteer areas will be cleaned on a daily basis.

There is a beautiful communal space for the volunteers with a view of the rice fields. It serves as a canteen and has hammocks and games (darts, cards).

Wildlife rescue volunteering
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Food

The food served is local Indonesian food ( so-called Sunda style) for lunch and dinner. We can cater for vegetarians, vegans and special dietary needs, if you request in advance.

Volunteers are expected to arrange for their own breakfast. The centre offers weekly shopping trips to the local town of Sukabumi where you can purchase snacks and other items.

HOW TO BOOK

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Crucial social impact

The Java Wildlife Rescue Centre delivers crucial long-term social impact through its comprehensive conservation efforts:

  • Rehabilitating Endangered Wildlife: The centre serves as a vital sanctuary for wild animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Many arrive in poor physical and mental health but receive intensive medical care and rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to return them to their natural habitats, directly supporting the recovery of endangered populations.
  • Releases to Replenish Wild Populations: The centre’s core mission is to protect wild species and boost their numbers. A prime example is their success with orangutans: out of 26 received, a remarkable 24 individuals have been returned to their original homes in Kalimantan or Sumatra for rehabilitation and eventual release. Similarly, 248 eagles of 14 different species rescued from illegal trade were rehabilitated, released, and carefully monitored. Many other species have benefitted from these releases such as the Javan leopard and other animals.
  • Conservation Breeding Programs for Native Species Facing Extinction: Beyond rescue, the centre runs dedicated conservation breeding programmes, like the highly successful initiative for the critically endangered Javan Green Magpie. This programme, in collaboration with Chester Zoo and Manchester Metropolitan University, not only aims to reintroduce these “mythical” birds into safe havens but also seeks to create alternative income streams for forest communities, reducing incentives for trapping.
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wildlife veterinary internship

Benefits beyond conservation

  • A Learning Centre for the Local Community and International Participants: The centre functions as a Wildlife Learning Center, actively educating the public about the value and proper care of wild animals. It empowers the local community and enriches international volunteers and interns with invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience in wildlife conservation.

 

  • Local Employment and Livelihood: The centre directly supports the local economy by employing over 30 staff members from the adjoining village, providing stable livelihoods and fostering community engagement in conservation. This vital work is significantly bolstered by the generous support of donors like a key Foundation, Zoos and other sponsors in Europe and worldwide that have provided consistent fundraising and support for daily management and animal care since 2009.

HOW TO BOOK

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Requirements

What are the requirements to join this programme?

Volunteers will need to be able to speak English or Bahasa Indonesia to be able to communicate with the staff/facilitator. The minimum age for the project is 18 years old.

Do I need any previous wildlife experience/knowledge?

No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm for wildlife and caring for them. Our friendly staff will teach you everything you need to know about wildlife care!

Who can join the project?

We require our volunteers to be 18 years old and above.

Project Information

What is the mission and vision of the project?

The project accepts and cares for rescued animals confiscated from illegal ownership under the Protected Wildlife Law. Whenever possible, the centre aims to rehabilitate and release the rescued animals. Unfortunately, the centre also serves as a permanent refuge for animals who cannot be returned to the wild due to health or behavioural conditions.

What is a typical day at the project like?

Volunteers will start working at 7.00 am and finish by 4 pm. A long lunch break, from 11.30 to 1 pm is included to allow you to recover from working in the tropical heat of the jungle. Together with the Indonesian staff, your work schedule will be for 6 days, Monday to Saturday. Of course, there is also time for leisure on your days off. Visit the local bat caves or admire the beautiful waterfalls. There is also a chance to go shopping in the nearest town Sukabumi.

Is there a sample itinerary?

Here is a list of volunteering activities you will be doing throughout your stay with the project:

  • Shadow an animal keeper helping clean enclosures, prepare food and help with feeding
  • Create and maintain enrichment activities for the animals
  • Visit animal release sights and learn all about the centre’s rehabilitation programmes
  • Enjoy the taste of Indonesia with a traditional Sunda-style dinner

Insurance, Visa and Vaccinations

Do I need insurance?

We highly recommend travel insurance to safeguard against sickness, loss of money, flight delay/cancellation or lost baggage.
Feel free to message us for further advice.

Do I need visa?

Indonesia has strict visa requirements, so it’s worth checking with your local Indonesian embassy or consulate. For most nationalities, a 60-day volunteering visa is required at a cost of £150. All visa applications are handled by the wildlife centre, as they act as the visa sponsor.

Do I need vaccinations?

Due to the nature of the work, volunteers are required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies, and Tuberculosis (or a negative TB screen test)

Project services

Is there internet access?

WiFi is available at the accommodation.

Are there ATMs nearby?

There is an ATM in the nearest large town, Sukabumi which you can visit on a weekly basis.

What should I bring with me?

Volunteers can refer to the project’s volunteer guide which includes a list of inventory that they should bring. This will be given upon booking with us.

Will I get support and guidance during my stay?

Of course! We are very proud of our friendly and talented team, who are happy to help throughout your stay. All of the project staff have amazing local knowledge and skill-sets, making them the perfect leaders and teachers.

Any further queries you have before booking can be resolved by contacting us directly.

Travel arrangement

How do I get to the Java Wildlife Centre from Jakarta International Airport?

We can arrange a special transfer by taxi. Volunteers can be picked up from the airport and taken to the project site. Please ask us for more details at the time of booking.

Other Information

I have some specific questions about the project.

We are always happy to help you with any enquiries. Feel free to contact us.

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