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GYC2759 - Wildlife rehabilitation centre Country: Australia Cost: £1145.00 Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 1 months Company Rep Nearby: All the time 0845 344 7585 or

 

	This placement would suit... Anyone with an interest in wildlife who is prepared to work hard and get their hands dirty! Hands-on work with native wildlife near Perth, Western Australia's finest city! Australia's unique animals are known throughout the world and are an important part of its natural heritage, making Australia an essential destination for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife. At this wildlife sanctuary you'll have the opportunity to interact with some of Australia's fascinating native wildlife... About the wildlife rehabilitation centre You will be working at a wildlife rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of Perth, aimed at caring for injured, orphaned, displaced or sick animals. You will work with many native species, to assist in their rehabilitation and eventual release, as well as educating the local community about the need to conserve and protect local wildlife. The centre that you will work at opened during the 1960s and has seen continual growth since this time - it is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers from the local community, with the support of local businesses. Together they are committed to the protection and welfare of native wildlife. Wildlife brought to centre is examined in the hospital and appropriate care is administered including medication, crop feeding, physiotherapy and veterinary surgery. Quality care is provided and directed towards doing what is best for a distressed native animal with the ultimate goal of returning the animal to its native habitat. When an animal is ready to be released it is transferred to a suitable location within the community and its progress monitored so that the centre can ensure that the repatriation has been successful. Approximately 60% of admissions are successfully nursed back to good health and released into their natural habitats. The centre's recognition of Australia's native species and the need to ensure their continued survival has led them to develop several breeding programmes for species on the edge of extinction. Captive breeding programmes are now underway for the endangered Bilby and Western Barred Bandicoots. A 'hands-on' educational programme has also been established at the centre to ensure that children learn about the protection of native wildlife from a young age. Nocturnal visits can be arranged for small groups of children to show wildlife feeding and interacting with each other. Your work and responsibilities Over 100 volunteers work at the centre, covering two shifts per day, every day of the year. The day-to-day activities of the volunteers provide for all of the needs of the animals and the operation of the centre. Specific tasks include nursing and feeding sick and injured birds and animals, cleaning and maintenance, administration and public education. You will more than likely be involved with the following... - The rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. This means giving care to the animals at the same time as promoting independence to ensure they become ready for release back into the wild. - The endangered species captive breeding programme. - Educating the community about the need to preserve wildlife and eco systems and to value wildlife as a resource for a healthier living planet. This may involve using the centre’s educational animals to help with wildlife displays. - You will assist with weighing and preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures and the hospital, acting as a general assist in the hospital and recording information. You will be required to assist with all areas of work and will need to capable of mucking in to do whatever is required of you. Hours of duty and work schedule You will be asked to work either a morning shift or afternoon shift for five days (days may include weekends but you will always have two days off each week). The importance of conservation in Australia Australia supports a significant proportion of the World's biodiversity - over 80% of its mammals, flowering plants and reptiles are only found in Australia. The destruction and fragmentation of habitat, particularly as a result of clearance of vegetation for agriculture, and the impact of feral animals and invasive weeds, has had a substantial impact on Australia's biodiversity. Since European settlers arrived in Australia 22 mammal species have become extinct - the worst mammal extinction rate in the World. Around 20% of Australia's remaining mammals species are now threatened with extinction. These alarming figures indicate how vital the conservation of native Australian wildlife really is. Accommodation and location The wildlife sanctuary that you will work at is located about 30km south-east of Perth, Western Australia's capital. You will live in self-catering accommodation within a private home located just a short walk away from the wildlife centre. Currently, the accommodation is situated on a beautiful property boasting an organic vegetable patch, outdoor shower and bath (but don’t worry there are indoor facilities!), kitchen, TV room and more. Only five minutes away from your accommodation you’ll find a small group of shops including a delicious patisserie, restaurant and doctor’s surgery. There is also a bus service right out the front of the property which will take you into Perth. Accommodation may be shared with other volunteers, if there are any there at the same time as you. Perth was built on the banks of the magnificent Swan River over 150 years ago and is now a city rich in culture and filled with theatres, art galleries and museums. The city is modern and vibrant - a fun, friendly and 'laid back' place, with clear skies and a sunny climate. Western Australia is locally known as the 'state of excitement'! Some of its more famous attractions include Kings Park, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle and the Swan River. Fremantle (or as the locals call it, ‘Freo’) is the city’s port and is rich in history. At weekends you will find markets, entertainment and plenty of alfresco style cafes to laze in. Perth has restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is of course the great Australian BBQ. Barbeque facilities are abundant in local parks - take your own food and cook up a feast, Australian style! Arrival: your introduction to the country When you arrive you will be welcomed at the airport by Jenny, our Australian Manager, and she will take you to your accommodation. During your first few days Jenny will give you an induction so that you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as useful information like how to use the transport system etc. During the first few days of your stay you will also receive an induction at the wildlife sanctuary. This will include an overview of the centre’s aims, and a chance to familiarise yourself with the centre and types of animals you will be helping. Notes about the project - For your safety, and for the safety of our animals, you will require a good command of the English language to work on this project. - You are required to have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination before we can allow you to work on this project. 0845 344 7585 Travellers Worldwide: Live and work abroad helping children, adults, animals and entire communities in less advantaged countries. Learn about their culture from the inside! Stay from as little as two weeks to as long as one year - you choose your dates and duration!