VPVS- ANI 1: Saigon Animal Rescue & Care center

THEME/TYPE OF PROJECT: Animal rescue & care AIMS OF THE PROJECT: The aim of the program is to provide a contribution to the welfare of animal in Vietnam. PROJECT’S ACTIVITIES: The Wildlife Rescue centre was established in 2006 by Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department (FPD), supported by international NGOs and individual sponsors. The centre also closely cooperates with related government bodies, especially the rangers in law enforcement in order to protect and rescue endangered wildlife. The Wildlife Rescue Centre rescues animals that are confiscated from the illegal animal trade in Ho Chi Minh City or other surrounded provinces. This is the biggest multi-species rescue station in the South of Vietnam that can takes of many endangered wild species. After the animals have recovered and have been rehabilitated, they are returned back to the wild. From 2007 till the present, the centre has rescued over 2000 individuals of many endangered species. Among those, over 1100 individuals have been released back to the wild. Raising public awareness of the protection of wildlife is one important purpose of the centre. The display center is equipped with visual images, objects, samples and information in a lively way to help the visitors understand about illegal wildlife trade and hunting as well as what they can do to protect the biodiversity of Vietnam. The Wildlife rescue center holds over 400 animals however, there are very few staff members available to help. The center would not be able to run without the support from many sponsors, individuals, including the active participation & hard work of the volunteers. On the other sense, volunteer will have unique opportunity to work alongside some incredible wildlife and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a difference to their lives. COMMUNITY CONTEXT: The Wildlife Rescue centre is located in Cu Chi district, 70 km (about 45 miles) West-North of Ho Chi Minh city. Travelling by bus, the journey from the dorm is around 2 hours. VOLUNTEER’S TASKS: Volunteers will be guided and supervised by the centre staff. The exact nature of the work volunteers will be doing varies all the time and there is no such thing as a 'typical' day. However there are certain everyday jobs that will be volunteer’s responsibility such as: Assisting keepers cleaning enclosures. This includes sweeping, raking and assisting the keepers in general husbandry activities. Watering plants and maintaining gardens. Keeping paths and gardens free of leaves and rubbish. Painting enclosures and external walls. Cleaning windows on the reptile holding facilities. Environmental enrichment work (making the animal living areas and the animals’ lives more ‘user friendly). Enclosure maintenance e.g. digging holes, removing tree branches, planting scrubs and flowers. The animal enclosures that volunteers mostly deal with at the Station are: • Reptiles – freshwater turtles, Chinese water dragons, Bengal water monitor lizards (there is no contact with snakes) • Primates – Limited handling with Loris & Gibbons. • Pangolins – Limited handling due to the species being nocturnal. • Otters – Limited handling, but volunteers will be involved in feeding, cleaning and, of course, observation. • Bears and large cats: there is absolutely no contact with these animals. • Horticulture: planting, weeding, watering and general garden maintenance. • Environmental Enrichment Volunteers will assist both keepers and managers with environmental enrichment. This includes: • Helping prepare meals for all the animals, making ‘lollypops’ for gibbons, bears and otters. • Changing foliage in enclosures and replacing fresh leaves. • Taking puzzle boxes out of enclosures and cleaning them. • Putting exciting scents (jams, perfume, fish smear, chilli smear, coconuts) in our enclosures for bears, gibbons and otters to enhance their lifestyles. USEFUL INFORMATION: Working hours: 9.00 AM – 4.45PM each day, includes a lunch break. Working at weekend is optional. Lunch: Volunteers will have lunch at restaurant nearby station and will be guided by local staff. On your first day at project, you will be given an orientation tour of the Station and be told why the animals are there and basically how they are cared for. Dress Code: Working animal rescues station is different with other work. The dress code should be casual. Be aware that you can get dirty easily at work! So down here are the tips for clothers: Bring ‘wash-and-wear’ quick drying items only. Sensible shoes are a must. Please ensure that they are comfortable and fully enclosed. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, as you may spend all day outdoors.