Wildlife assistant: autumn/winter project


Wildlife assistant: autumn/winter project

Opvangcentrum voor Vogels en Wilde Dieren

Oostende, Belgium

The application deadline has passed.

Activity description

You take your share in the daily work at the Wildlife Rehab center. Step by step, we will introduce you to our way of working and the strict protocols that we follow. Being keen to learn is essential. In the beginning, you will mainly perform basic tasks, and assist a more experienced ESC-volunteer. Do take in mind that at our centre everyone should undertake all sorts of work: feeding and weighing the animals, assist the staff, preparing food, but also cleaning cages, washing-up, folding dried towels and mop floors. You have to pursue administrative discipline and follow certain hygienic procedures. Being flexible is essential since wildlife does not have a clock to follow. During your project, you will learn how to rehabilitate all types of birds and mammals, how to carry out fluid therapy, tube animals and how to help oiled wildlife. You will work together with a big group of motivated volunteers (locals, interns, older people), where a good team spirit is important.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

You will have your own room in a house 30 minutes away from the Wildlife Center. The house has a kitchen and a living room, which you will share with your other ESC co-housers. Bathroom and toilet are shared as well. Every ESC-volunteer will receive € 360,00 a month, including both your food expenses and pocket money. It will be paid every month through your bank account. You will also get a bike that can be used to go to the city center, a 20-minute ride from the ESC-house.

Training during the activity

In your first days, your will work together with a senior local volunteer and staff member to learn all the necessary things. Step by step, you will be introduced to the strict protocols and the way of working. During the year there will be courses about specific subjects (orphaned wildlife, oiled wildlife..).

Participant profile

No foreknowledge is required, but being keen to learn is essential. Age:19-30 years old. We are looking for a spontaneous young adult who has a passion for nature and wildlife. Someone who is able to commit one year of his/her life to this Wildlife Rehabilitation project. You need to be flexible (weekend work), social and be able to handle stress. Being in a good physical condition and not afraid to get your hands dirty! You will work in a team, so having a good open mind and positive attitude is essential. English: minimum A2 You can only apply through the offical application link on the EYP.

Activity dates

A total of 16 week(s) during the period 15/10/2023 to 31/01/2024


Activity location

Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 642, 8400 Oostende Belgium


 Individual volunteering


Looking for participants from

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine


Activity topics

Environment and natural protection


Deadline for applications

Application deadline: 18/09/2023