Wildlife Shelter Carer

The Project
Every year, hundreds of thousands of native animals are injured, orphaned or become sick, often because of interaction with people or pets.

Our wildlife shelters in country Australia are unsupported, privately owned wildlife shelters in Australia and for many years, have rescued and rehabilitated sick, injured and orphaned native Australian wildlife and loved them back to health to be returned to the natural environment.

Since we receive no recurrent funding from governments, the shelters rely on the contribution of volunteers and donations from the public to keep it running.

The Location
Plan your Australian adventure and choose your volunteer program location (tell us which shelter you prefer in your application)

Shelter One: The shelter is located in Stanley State Forest, Victoria, a beautifully preserved natural bushland overflowing with lush, green vegetation and magnificent wildlife. Rich in history and in natural resources (granite, gold, clay & sparkling spring water), this thriving region is built upon the solid values and vision of its pioneers and miners.  Home to many talented artists and artisans from around the world, it is brimming with arts, crafts & antiques and has earned an impressive reputation for its spectacular annual festivals and events. Prepare for a true bush-style experience, living in rustic accommodation within the Forest surrounded by rescued and wild animals day and night. 

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: low-medium. Program starts: Thursdays each week.

Shelter Two: Located in a small rural community in the east part of the Riverina on a working farm. The Riverina is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales, Australia, just near the Victorian border. The Riverina is distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains, warm to hot climate and an ample supply of water for irrigation. This combination has allowed the Riverina to develop into one of the most productive and agriculturally diverse areas of Australia. Bordered on the south by the state of Victoria and on the east by the Great Dividing Range, the Riverina covers those areas of New South Wales in the Murray and Murrumbidgee drainage zones to their confluence in the west. This is a farm-style homestay, living and working hands on with the project hosts on a daily basis. 

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: any day of the week.

Shelter Three: Located on a beautiful mountain top near the coastal city of Gladstone, Queensland.  Gladstone is itself is a hillside city, overlooking Port Curtis, Queensland’s largest multi-commodity shipping port. Marine activities are the lifeblood of the city sitting at the central part of the Great Barrier Reef. Mount Larcom offers lots of bush walking and spectacular views of the surrounding region. Also well known for its good old Aussie pie! This project has separate fully equipped volunteer quarters set in the natural landscape. Apart from animals in care, there are often wild kangaroos, birds and other animals seen on the property. 

Hands-on with animals? depends on animal needs. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: any day of the week (minimum 2 weeks).

Shelter Four: This shelter is located in a beautiful coastal town on the spectacular east coast of Tasmania. Cradled between Douglas-Apsley National Park and Freycinet National Park , the property is a short walk or bike ride to the seaside. There are plenty of local attractions including the Bicheno blowhole. The shelter takes in all types of animals and marine life such as wallabies, pademelons, echidnas, wombats, penguins, sugar gliders and even Tasmanian devils! Volunteer activities include bottle feeding babies, exercising animals, administering medication and providing a nurturing environment as many very young joeys respond to cuddles like all babies. 

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: any day of the week.

Our Volunteers
Volunteers play a key role in wildlife rescue and care. Not only will you be learning new skills and helping animals in need, you will make new friends from around the world and will create an enriching experience for yourself.

While the number of native animals needing help is increasing, volunteer numbers are not keeping up. Your contribution is enormous as the shelters need your help to feed and care for them, provide enrichments, build and maintain enclosures. 

Conditions Onsite
Country Australia can become very hot during the day so you must be prepared to work in the heat. In winter it can be quite cold overnight.

You must also be prepared that all animals do not survive their injuries.

Bring a Telstra sim card so you have access to the internet. 

Please Note:
The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.

Your daily activities may consist of

Shelter One: You will not have a lot of spare time at this project as it is a very busy shelter with rescues coming in almost daily. Just speak to staff about free time will be dictated by the workload. As it is possible that you may not get to do much sightseeing in the area while on your placement, you may wish to stay on in the area after you leave the project. You are only a few hours from Melbourne and Sydney so take in the sights of a big city or hit the coast for some rest and relaxation after your stay at the shelter.

Shelter Two: Arrange your free time with the project host. There will be some trips into the local town, Holbrook, Albury or Wagga Wagga where there is a selection of supermarkets, small shops and pharmacies which are all well stocked. As you are staying on a farm, there's plenty of farm animals to talk to! You are only a few hours from Melbourne and Sydney so take in the sights of a big city or hit the coast for some rest and relaxation after your stay at the shelter.

Shelter Three: Your work shifts are usually split into morning and evening, with time off in the middle of the day. You can relax around your quarters or take a bike ride in the area. Arrange any additional free time with the project host. You might like to bush walk or go to the beach. After your placement you might travel to the tropical north of Queensland to Cape Tribulation, or dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Shelter Four: Your work day will include lots of breaks including lunch. You can cook and relax in your private bungalow or take a trip to the beach or have dinner at a local restaurant. On your days off, sightseeing is a must and there are lots of great lookouts and spots for those perfect holiday photos. In December/January you might be lucky enough to see the penguins come up the beach! If you would like to see more of Tasmania, hire a car and you can spend time checking out all the amazing places in the island state of Tasmania.