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GYC3330 - Animal Conservation Country: Thailand Cost: £450.00 Please note: £80.00 per week Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 5 weeks (Weekly Extensions) Company Rep Nearby: Daily 0845 344 7569 or

 

	This placement would suit... volunteers looking to work with a wide range of animals in a well established environment. Introduction: Working with the zookeepers at the regional zoo of Songkhla to support the on-going conservation work and the rare tapir-breeding programme. Location: Songkhla is a south-eastern coastal province in Southern Thailand covering some 7,150 square kilometres. The provincial capital, also called Songkhla, is 950 kilometres south of Bangkok. On the Gulf of Siam, the region enjoys miles of clean white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue seas. Songkhla is one of the most famous seaside resort towns of the south having Hat Yai as the principal commercial centre. It regularly attracts visitors from nearby Malaysia and Singapore. The province is popular because of two distinct areas: the old architecture of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, and the more modern Hat Yai, which are about 30 km apart. The old part of Songkhla is located at the present day Sathing Phra. Historically it was an important trading post for Indians, Persians, and Arabs, who called the place ‘Singhla’. They named it after two islands at the mouth of Songkhla lagoon in the shape of crouching lions. Project Life: The park-style zoo is large and spread over a landscaped hilly area. Highlights not to be missed are the viewing point across the city in the food stall area and the sealion display. Volunteers are needed to support the full-time staff with their daily work at the zoo: taking care of the animals, cleaning the enclosures, and feeding the animals. You may be asked to assist with veterinary care if required. There will also be plenty of opportunity to show visitors around the zoo, help the zoo staff develop international language skills, and any other tasks you’re interested in or where with animals, staff or visitors need help. In addition to volunteering, there are also opportunities to relax and join a beach week on the beautiful island of Koh Samed in the Gulf of Thailand. The Gulf and the South China Sea have some of the finest beaches and weather in the world. You will enjoy a wonderful week of relaxation, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, watersport and socialising with other volunteers. You’ll stay close to the beach in a cabin, hostel or guesthouse. Transfer, meals and accommodation are included.Your first week on the programme is an action-packed induction, including: volunteer training, cultural immersion, visits to markets, temples and important sites, cookery and dance classes and Thai language instruction. An important element of this week is gaining an understanding of the customs and importance of the Buddhist religion, monks and temples to Thai culture. <Accommodation & Food: Volunteers live with Ms Darin Awapat who used to work full time at the zoo, and now concentrates on helping the zoo staff to develop their English language skills. 3 meals a day are provided which will be taken either at the homestay or at the zoo park. Dates & Duration: Volunteers must join the induction week on the first Monday of every month. The minimum programme is 5 weeks (1 week induction plus 4 weeks’ volunteering). You can extend your placement in multiples of 1 week. Beach weeks can be added on throughout your placement.<.li> Flights & Transportation: International flights are not included. Please arrange your flight to arrive at Bangkok International Airport on the Sunday the day before the induction starts (no later than 15:00). A local coordinator will meet you and take you to the induction centre. It is also possible to meet a local coordinator in Singburi if you want to make your own way there. Safety & Insurance: All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence of working with reputable organisations./li> Our local partner provides 24-hour support. Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements. Participation on this project working with wild animals is at the volunteer’s own risk. Eligibility & Skills: Minimum age 18 yrs. There are no specific skills required; training will be given during the induction period. 0845 344 7569 Twin Work & Volunteer Abroad: The world is getting smaller! So, why not travel and gain work experience abroad? Are you taking a gap year? Are you a student and want to spend your summer doing something different? Are you a recent graduate and want to have a different approach to the job market? Whether you want to spend some time fruit picking in Queensland, volunteering with kids in South Africa, having an Internship in Rio de Janeiro or working on a farm in Norway we have a vast range of programmes for you!