Program Photos
Caribbean Wildlife Centre Belize
Location: Belize: Belize City
Program Duration: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad)
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: starts every week on a Wednesday
Personal Overseas Development (PoD)
Formal House 60 St George's Place Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3PN England
Call Us
Phone: 01242 250 901
Description
Join the staff at 'The best Little Zoo in the World' in their work of housing rescued animals and providing wildlife education to the people and especially the students of Belize. The centre receives visits from over 15,000 school students each year and there is always a need for energetic volunteers to join the work.
If you are excited about animals and sharing your passion, then the Caribbean Wildlife Centre needs you!
The centre is also well located to allow you to explore the wonders that Belize has to offer. You could chose to spend your free time hiking in the tropical rainforests, snorkeling on amazing coral reefs or just relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
The exact nature of the work you will be doing varies all the time and there is no such thing as a 'typical' day but generally the day will start at 8am and end between 5pm and 6pm depending on responsibilities during that day. A rota system is followed for the jobs so that the duties are fairly distributed. Volunteers are assigned to a zookeeper at the start of each working day and will assist in:
* food prep
* animal husbandry practices including cleaning and maintenance of enclosures
* watering
* providing enrichments
* animal encounters and animal introductions when they occur
* caring for newborns or orphan animals
You also have the opportunity to get involved in the Education Department where you can assist with educating local school groups of the need to conserve the local environment.
Experience with animals would be an advantage but is not a limiting factor for your involvement in tasks and you will be scheduled where you are most needed and where your skills can be used to the maximum advantage.
Highlights
* 'Best little Zoo in the world'
* Over 125 native animals
* Gain experience of working in a zoo and rescue centre
* Explore the rainforest, coral reefs and beaches in freetime
By volunteering at this project you will make a major contribution to the welfare of animals in Belize. Your time and efforts will help to care for the animals, and the majority of the programme cost will go direct to the centre providing a vital source of funding for their work.
On a personal level you will have a unique opportunity to work alongside some incredible Central American wildlife alongside very knowledgeable keepers and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a difference to the lives of these animals.
Qualifications
You do not need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer on this project.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
2 weeks: GBP 795, extra weeks: 300 USD
Cost Include Description:
* A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
* Travel advice and assistance
* Accommodation (a simple shared room)
* All main meals
* Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- animal welfare
- environment
- volunteering
- wildlife surveying
Age Range
18+This Program is open to
Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Dormitory
Participants Travel to Belize
Independently
Application Process Involves
- Written Application
Personal Overseas Development (PoD)'s Mission Statement
PoD is a leading non-profit organization arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world. Established in 2001, our aim is to support ongoing projects with our partners in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam by providing passionate and committed volunteers. We work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. A placement with PoD will not only develop volunteer's skills and confidence, get them out of their comfort zone and exploring incredible parts of the world but also the ability make a genuine difference. We currently offer gap year, career break, working holiday, volunteer projects and school expeditions from 1 week to 6 months with year round departures. We offer a personal and professional service drawing on years of experience from staff in the UK and overseas. Volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects including: caring for elephants and wild animals; joining an Amazon jungle conservation project; scuba diving and marine conservation; community building projects; volunteering at orphanages and care homes; teaching English and running summer English camps. PoD believes in providing challenging, safe and fun experiences for individuals and groups to enjoy. We are passionate about giving volunteers of all ages the opportunity to use their energy, enthusiasm and personality where it counts.
Year Founded
2001
