Animal Caretaker and Assistant

The Old Wild west, Grand Canyon, first nations communities, Phoenix, deserts are a few of the things that directly comes to mind when imagining Arizona! Volunteer abroad now and explore this beautiful state while helping a wildlife rescue & Rehabilitation Centre for an experience you will never forget!

Always wanted to travel to USA view the remains of the old Wild West? Why not combine it with the amazing opportunity to help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife? This center takes of birds, reptile and mammals which are in need for help all year round! Travel now to the beautiful state of Arizona in the USA to participate in this great volunteer opportunity!  The work with the wildlife on the Centre is physically demanding and it is by no means an’ easy holiday option’! This project is for mature volunteers who can be independent and who have a love of all animals and especially birds. The minimum and maximum duration of stay is 8 weeks. This gives the animals a chance to get to know and trust you, and it requires a little time to learn their routine.

The project has a few paid staff and many volunteers who are involved in every aspect of husbandry and care.  Trained volunteers (assist with clinic care, but all volunteers are involved in assisting with medical procedures, as well as cleaning and feeding of the birds in the clinic.  Volunteers are also responsible for the cleaning and feeding of the resident birds and other animals, starting with ‘rounds’ at the beginning of every shift to make sure each bird is safe, looks healthy, is perched in its usual places for that time of the day, has eaten, has clean bathing water, etc.  Getting to know the birds and their habits quickly is essential.  Learning how to ‘be’ in the cages with the birds, reading their body language, understanding their individual personalities, histories, needs is also important – and very rewarding.  Volunteers are also involved in maintaining the facility, inside and out, greeting visitors, helping to staff off-site booths, or assisting at on-site events.  Some of your main responsibilities are as follows:

• Feed and care for different kind of animals including birds, reptiles and in some cases Mammals
  
• Build and maintain animal enclosures
  
• Assist with capture and release
  
• Educate the public
  

On days off volunteer have the opportunity to go wildlife viewing, sightseeing, hiking and so much more. It is important to keep in mind that any activity outside of the project/leisure time activities will be at the volunteers' own expense.