About the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation centre in India
This project was established in 1995, with the primary aim to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in distress in both urban and rural environments throughout India. The project rescues a number of orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife found in cities and locations from wherever they are forced to work in India. Injured animals are given medical treatment and many are released back into the wild. Where this is not possible, permanent homes are provided for the animals at one of the project’s many rescue facilities.
Volunteering with Elephants and Bears in India
As a volunteer with wildlife in India, you will have the opportunity to assist with the conservation and support of both bears and elephants at the project’s ethical rescue centres. Typical duties at the bear sanctuary include building hammocks for Sloth Bears to rest in, constructing enrichment structures for play and assisting keepers on daily afternoon feedings. Typical duties with the elephants include chopping fruit, feeding them, and going on walks.
Your first day at the project will consist of an orientation session and a full campus tour. The orientation will cover both logistical information regarding how the centre is run and educational material detailing the fundamentals of animal welfare and environmental basics. You will be trained and supervised by the experienced animal keepers at the project as well as the volunteer coordinator. Please note that for your safety and the safety of the bears, direct physical contact is not a part of the programme.
Each day is a little bit different and volunteer activities may include the following:
- Food prep for the bears and elephants such as assisting keepers in cutting fruits, loading the food to trucks and making enrichment treats.
- Distribution of food to the bears and elephants.
- Maintenance of the enclosures and facilities.
- Bear and elephant observations.
- Enrichment structure construction.
- Gardening, planting vegetation, nursery maintenance and development.
- Knitting of coil rope for bear enrichments.
- Organisation of facility resources.
Facility-wide mechanical assistance- Painting and plumbing maintenance work.
- Removal of weeds.
If you are interested, you can also volunteer in the office, which could include:
- Organisation of the gift shop and visitor centre.
- Maintenance of the area around the education centre.
- Maintenance of the guest register and correspondence.
- Assisting short-term guests during their visits.
- Assisting with fundraising activities.
Please note that all activities and timings are subject to field and weather conditions.
