Thailand – a magnificent country of idyllic beaches, tumbling forest landscapes, hospitable people and fantastic food. Experience this incredible destination whilst volunteering in a gibbon sanctuary where volunteers care for rescued gibbons. Whilst spending time here, explore Thailand's complex cultural heritage which is steeped in mystical Buddhist history and philosophy. Enjoy the breathtaking local temples, bustling village markets and sumptuous cuisine.
Visit untouched rainforests alive with spectacular wildlife and head down to the coast to snorkel over pristine coral reefs watching rays, turtles and dazzling reef fish. After this special adventure take a well deserved rest and chill on Thailand's spectacular white sand beaches. You really will have a gap year or year out that you will never forget when you take up a place on this amazing project.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
One of the sad consequences of population growth and industrial development in Thailand is that animals have increasingly been under threat by habitat destruction and hunting. As a result, many orphaned or injured animals can no longer live in the wild and need care and support. Habitat destruction and unsustainable over utilization of the wildlife resources in this part of the world has caused a decline in indigenous wildlife. Primates in particular are hunted for their meat, as pets and for medicine, and their habitats are being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Wildlife refuges are a crucial means of providing this support and giving injured or abused gibbons a safe place to live. They're also a vitally important as a means to educate the public about human wildlife conflicts.
You will be helping with all activities of the centre – maintaining the animal's living quarters, helping with routine maintenance, caring for the orphaned animals and helping maintain the centre in general. The work will be hard but extremely rewarding and being so close to some of the world's most fascinating primates is sure to be an experience that you'll never forget!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Working at this amazing, well established and outstandingly worthwhile sanctuary gives you an unmissable chance to study the behaviour of these extraordinary primates, each with their own unique character. You will work to build up a relationship with the gibbons, and as they learn to trust and accept you, you will help make their life at the sanctuary pleasant, safe and enjoyable.
The daily routine will involve care of the gibbons including cleaning out their living quarters, caring for the babies (for example bottle feeding and even changing nappies), transferring them between enclosures, visiting older individuals (who have behavioural problems on account of abuse by humans) in their living quarters, and aiding them in their socialisation and recovery.
