Animal Care and Education Assistant
Foundation for Bears
Stiftung für Bären (Foundation for Bears)
Leinefelde-Worbis, Germany
Description
This is a (max) 12 month placement where volunteers will work within the Educational and Animal Care Department at Alternative Bear park Worbis, one of two projects run by the charity, Stiftung für Bären. The charity, rescues and rehabilitates animals previously kept in neglected conditions in circus', zoos or private ownership. The participants will learn how to provide the specialists care needed for the different species and individuals. Tasks will include, preparing food and medication and distributing this, cleaning the outdoor facilities and conducting individual observations of the animals. As well as learning to care for the animals, the volunteer will also help in the education department creating children's programmes, assisting with any on and off-site events, as well as conducting professional guided tours to the visiting public.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Participants will use the on-site in accommodation which consists of private rooms, a communal kitchen, bathroom and living area. There is a restaurant on-site where volunteers can receive all their meals, including snacks and drinks. If they wish to cook in the communal kitchen then they are able to do so using ingredients that they have bought. There are laundry facilities, T.V and WiFi as well as plenty of outdoor space to relax in. Supermarkets and other shops are about a 10 minute walk away, as is the bus station for excursions on days off.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will receive Pre-Departure Training from their sending Organisation, in addition to On-Arrival and Mid-Term Training from the National Agency. Regular reviews will ensure volunteers know how they are doing. Each volunteer will also have regular meetings with their mentor to reflect about what they have learned and what problems they face.
Participant profile
Due to the work and the working environment, volunteers must have an intermediate level of English for health and safety reasons when working around wild animals. This is also needed for the educational material and talks that the volunteers will be asked to produce. Participants must also be fit and able with no physical disabilities due to the nature of the work. Server allergies to nuts or animal fur could be problematic.
Activity dates
A total of 52 week(s) during the period 01/09/2023 to 31/12/2024
Activity location
Duderstädter Allee 49,, Leinefelde-Worbis, Germany
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Employment and entrepreneurship
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/08/2023 23:59