Volunteer at a wildlife refuge on Bangka Island, Indonesia. Join a wildlife rescue centre on Bangka Island, Indonesia. This programme is ideal for students and people who already have experience working with animals. All missions in Indonesia here
Wildlife rescue centre
Our partner’s mission is to study and protect the flora and fauna of Sumatra through programmes run in collaboration with local organisations. Among these is the Alobi Foundation, with which it has set up a volunteer programme to support a wildlife rescue centre on Bangka Island, off the east coast of Sumatra. The foundation focuses on conservation, the protection of endangered species, and environmental education.
Gibbon, pangolin, Bangka slow loris, tarsier and sambar deer
The refuge they have created is home to a variety of wild animals, including parrots, eagles, Malay bears, saltwater crocodiles, pangolins, deer, tarsiers, slow lorises and gibbons. Among these animals, five have caught their attention due to their status as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): the gibbon, the pangolin, the Bangka slow loris, the tarsier and the sambar deer. The foundation runs five dedicated conservation programmes for these animals.
Get involved in a wildlife rescue centre in Indonesia
You will be involved in the various activities of the wildlife rescue centre, located on Bangka Island
- Among the daily tasks you will be assigned:
- Preparing food for the animals and feeding them
- Cleaning the enclosures
- Animal enrichment work
- Observing animal behaviour
- Teamwork with keepers and other staff members
Depending on the needs of the moment, you will also be involved in various other activities, such as:
- Animal rescue activities
- Actions to release or transfer animals to other institutions
- Assisting veterinarians during medical examinations
- Helping administer treatment to injured animals
- Accompanying visitors on tours of the centre. The rescue centre may receive limited visits from students or others for socialisation and educational purposes.
- Post-release animal monitoring activities
You will also travel to various locations, such as:
- The Pelawan forest: a forest covered with pelawan trees (Tristaniopsis merguensis), cared for and managed by the local village
- The mangrove forest, which you will explore by boat to observe its biodiversity
- Bukit Mangkol forest park, where it is possible to spot tarsiers and slow lorises
As a volunteer, you will work at the centre 5 or 6 days a week. Working hours are from 08:00 to 16:00, including a break from 11:30 to 13:00.
Dates
- 1 month, year-round
- Remember to book at least one month in advance!
Fees
- €1,000 per month
Included in the fee
- Transfer from the island’s airport
- Transport for excursions and travel
- Accommodation
- Food, water and snacks
- Laundry
- Coordination by Ibu Bumi Orangutan
Not included in the fee
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- From 18 years old
- Minimum one month
- A minimum of experience in animal welfare, veterinary medicine or other wildlife rescue centres is required
- Open-mindedness and adaptability
- Consult your doctor before departure. The foundation recommends the following vaccinations: rabies, Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, flu…
Equipment to bring Masks, work clothes, disposable gloves. Medical kit (do not hesitate to consult your doctor before departure). Sun protection, sunglasses, mosquito repellent.
Clothing You will be living among a Muslim population. It is recommended to wear long clothing out of respect for the local culture. Alcohol and inappropriate personal interactions with staff are not permitted.
Accommodation Volunteers will be accommodated at the centre where the activities take place.
Location Bangka Island is an hour’s flight from Jakarta. The wildlife rescue centre is located at Kampoeng Reklamasi Air Jangkang, Bangka Regency, approximately 30 km from the town of Pangkalpinang. Near the centre, there is a local market and a supermarket (3 km away).
Arrival You must arrive at the island’s airport. Someone will come to pick you up.
Bangka Island is a very popular destination among Indonesians, but is still little known to foreign tourists.
Tous les avis sur les missions Ibu Bumi Orangutan
About the partner
Ibu Bumi Orangutan is an NGO co-founded by Nora, who specialises in sustainable development and animal welfare. She has worked in veterinary development and wildlife protection programmes in Paraguay, Spain, Africa and Sumatra. Ibu Bumi Orangutan is dedicated to the sustainable development and conservation of Sumatra’s flora and fauna. Since 2017, the organisation, in partnership with local communities, has focused on the edges of Gunung Leuser National Park to prevent poaching and deforestation. Its programmes cover a range of themes: children’s education, permaculture development, support for livestock in conflict with predators, study of the Sumatran tiger, support for the National Park, and ecotourism development. Wildlife study programmes focus on primates, tigers and elephants.
