ANIMAL CARE IN A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE IN PERTH

WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND:
Elements of work are diverse - something to suit everyone. The organisation that is totally run by volunteers dedicated to conserving Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems. You'll assist in taking care of a variety of different types of animals that need your help, as well as working with plants and trees, habitat restoration and heritage protection.
Flexibility: Another attraction of this multi-faceted project is that if you decide that there is one particular project that you would prefer to work on, rather than devoting time to many different projects, we can arrange for you to do so, if it is feasible at the time you're there.

They have many animal species, like pelicans, kangaroos and even at times penguins. Some of the animals have to stay at the Centre for a long time before they can be released because certain things have to be taken into account, such as the time of year, if there is sufficient water around, bad or stormy weather, release sites and habitat re-development Another important aspect is the number of animals in the area and whether the area can sustain them without risk of over-population. You will be exposed to all these elements while on your project. You'll gain a lot of practical experience and you'll learn a tremendous amount.

WORK CONTENT:
The type of work is very varied, depending on the time of year, but includes endangered flora and fauna surveys and monitoring, weed control, tree planting, erosion and salinity control, seed collection, construction and maintenance of walking tracks, habitat restoration and heritage protection. The range of activities you may undertake includes:

• Caring for the animals and birds, including cleaning enclosures and cages.
• Preparing food and water for the animals.
• Filling the duck and swan pond.
• Checking the animal diet board to ensure that the sick or injured animals are receiving the meals that have been specified for them.
• Cleaning the hospital boxes and tanks.
• Surveys and monitoring
• Ground maintenance: This includes tasks such as: checking the upkeep of the animal enclosures; checking the hoses and fixing them if required; checking the various pieces of equipment and reporting which need replacing or repairing, in order to ensure things are kept to the best standard possible
• Gardening and Laundry
• Animal welfare: the Centre has the policy that the welbeing of the animals, not the people, comes first! The Centre admits native animals that are in desperate need of help, so you should be prepared for the fact that some of these injured or sick animals may die.
• ou may also be able to assist with the various school groups that come to the Centre on educational outings. They usually have at least one group a week.

Education and Training Programmes:
You may also get involved in the many different education and training programs that are open to the public. They have a course suitable for any interested person, young or old. These include general training in wildlife care, work experience, training for vets and vet students in native animal care and handling, one-off tours and talks for school groups

Hours can vary depending on the work which needs to be done, the time of year, season etc. You will generally work 5 days a week, often with early starts, but generally from around 8.00 to 3.00 or 9.00 to 4.00. Days may include weekends but you will have two days off a week. Please note that the work that you'll be involved in depends on what is available at the time of your placement.

REQUIREMENTS

• You should be a hands-on person who loves the outdoors.
• You should be in good health and reasonably fit and able to work in a team. You must be prepared for some hard physical work, especially during the summer time when it can get extremely hot.
• You must be willing to get stuck in and get your hands dirty.
• Also flexible and be prepared to move around the City and be willing to go wherever you're needed.
• Very Important - you will need to use your initiative and be very proactive, be patient and determined.
• Like most conservation work, there are spiders and snakes in some locations, so you should reconsider this project if you have a fear of these.
• Lastly, self-reliance and independence will help you make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

ACCOMMODATION

Your accommodation is located in the CBD (Central Business District) of Perth, Western Australia. Therefore you are very central, close to the main train station and shopping district. You'll live in a centrally located lodge that is friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long term stays. You'll most likely have your own room, but will share a bathroom with others on your floor. There is an excellent kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to relax.

Entertainment at the Lodge currently includes a pool table, cheap internet access, arcade machines and cable TV (Foxtel), to name a few, but with all the sunshine Perth has, you’ll be out and about enjoying the many outdoor activities! You are literally a stroll from the Swan River and free CBD transport. Trains and buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to Fremantle, King’s Park or to the many other things to do in the region!

The city centre boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or you can head over to Northbridge for more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus, which stops outside your accommodation.

FOOD:
Food is not included in this project so you should budget for meals. We feel that a good guide would be a weekly budget of around AUD$70-90.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

ABOUT THE WILDLIFE CENTRE:

The Centre we work with is a volunteer non-profit organisation set up in 1989 and is run by a registered CALM wildlife carer. In November 1998, land adjacent to the Cockburn Wetland Education Centre was leased and developed to provide a natural setting for the treatment and rehabilitation of all types of animals, birds and reptiles, either brought to the centre or collected by a Centre volunteer. It is also an ideal location to release many of the animals when fully recovered. Many of the animals are injured while others are sick, distressed or exhausted (particularly big sea birds such as giant petrels blown off course by storms).
The aim of of the Centre is to rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wild life back into their natural environment as soon as possible. Unfortunately some of the animals cannot be returned to the wild because of their injuries. In these cases, they are retained for educational purposes and for breeding. Some of these animals also become foster parents to young injured animals.
The Centre is unfunded and relies on donations and a small core of dedicated volunteers. There is little funding available for the care of wildlife, but food and medication still has to be supplied. The Centre works in conjunction with local vets, rangers, CALM, RSPCA, and Murdoch University Vet School. The adjacent Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre and Yonga Aboriginal Education Centre, together with school groups and young adults on work experience provide the centre with a steady source of students. The project aims are all based on achieving real conservation results around Perth.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN AUSTRALIA:
Australia's geographical isolation has resulted in the evolution of many delicate ecological relationships that are sensitive to foreign invaders and in many instances provided no natural predators for many of the species subsequently introduced.
Australia has seen the loss of 70% of her native vegetation, including 75% of her rainforests. Loss of species goes hand in hand with loss of habitat and 23% of mammals have become extinct - the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. Around 20% of Australia's remaining mammals species are now threatened with extinction. Nine percent of birds and 16% of amphibians are either already extinct or extremely vulnerable.
Australia supports a significant proportion of the world's biodiversity - over 80% of its mammals, flowering plants and reptiles are only found in Australia. The destruction and fragmentation of habitat, particularly as a result of clearance of vegetation for agriculture, and the impact of feral animals and invasive weeds, has had a substantial impact on Australia's biodiversity.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?

Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

As with all our destinations, the culture and heritage is different to what you're used to ... which, although one of the most exciting aspects of travelling, should be borne in mind. Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

I absolutely loved my project! Annette was wonderful!! She really made me feel like I had a support system from the second I met her at the airport. Alicia Garcia

OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to be fun, but also to enable you to learn, and expand your personal and professional development enjoyment ... but mostly for your enjoyment! :-)

LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

Try to see some of the country while you're there. It's big (huge!) and each different region is exciting and very, very beautiful. Our great location is in Perth, a city rich in culture and filled with theatres, art galleries and museums. The city is modern and vibrant - a fun, friendly and 'laid back' place, with clear skies and a sunny climate. Western Australia is locally known as the 'state of excitement!'

Some of its more famous attractions include Kings Park, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle and the Swan River. Fremantle (or as the local’s call it, ‘Freo’) is the city’s port and is rich in history. At weekends you will find markets, entertainment and plenty of alfresco style cafes to laze in. Perth has restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is of course the great Australian BBQ. Barbeque facilities are abundant in local parks - take your own food and cook up a feast, Australian style!

THE BEST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
(Courtesy of Western Australia Tourism - www.westernaustralia.com)

• Fremantle - Spend a few days in Fremantle is an absolute must. Just a 30 minute drive from Perth's city centre. Freo, as it's known by locals is a vibrant port city you can't miss.
• Rottnest Island - Just offshore from Perth, Rottnest Island is where the locals go to swim at white-sand beaches, snorkel in turquoise water over shipwrecks, or kick back and go fishing. Rotto, as it's called locally, is a car-free zone, which adds to its relaxed feel.
• Margaret River - No trip to Western Australia is complete without a pit stop at Margaret River. Originally a chilled out surfie town, Margaret River has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of good food, fine wine and spectacular scenery - just a three-and-a-half hour drive south of Perth.
• Albany - Prepare to be blown away by Albany's dramatic convict history, set against a backdrop of rugged granite coastline, green seas and a wild beauty that tugs at the heartstrings. Step back in time and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships and settlers' cottages and grand National Trust homes in beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Denmark - where towering tall trees meet the ocean. A relaxed village atmosphere, romantic timber milling history and incredible coastal scenery.
• Ningaloo Reef - Take a dive with hundreds of tropical fish, amazing coral formations and the world's biggest fish, the whale shark.
• Monkey Mia - Monkey Mia is one of Western Australia's most famous dolphin watching destinations.
• Shark Bay - The Shark Bay World Heritage Area was Western Australia's first World Heritage Listed site. Shark Bay's wilderness and natural wonders make for a unique holiday.
• The Pinnacles - The extraordinary ancient rock formations are located about a three-hour drive north of Perth near the coastal town of Cervantes.
• Kalgoorlie - Western Australia's largest goldfields town famed for its fascinating gold rush history, fabulous old buildings and old gold miners' ghost towns.
• Esperance - For squeaky-white beaches, getting off the beaten track and bunking down under the stars. This place is so relaxed even the kangaroos sun bake on the beach!
• Bunbury - just two hours drive south of Perth, it is located on a spectacular peninsular surrounded by blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay and the Leschenault Inlet.

TRAVEL:

Read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country.

KEIRA ROWSOME
Animal Care in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Perth

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for helping me arrange my project in Perth. I had such an amazing time and left with an unforgettable experience.

I'll definitely advise 'Travellers' to anybody hoping for a similar opportunity and experience! I'm already planning my return to Australia after I finish University! Thank you again!

CAMERON SYMONS
Canadian
Animal Care in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Perth

I feel that I have gained a lot of info on the culture of Australia from all the variety of volunteers working there and lots of important information on animal care. I love all the animals that are so different from home as well as all the colourful and friendly people I have met so far.
I would definitely recommend this placement to anyone interesting in animal care or exploring Australia. Perth has a lot to offer. I think that this placement would mostly benefit someone looking to enter the animal care field but, being someone who has no plans for that in the future it was still very interesting and fun for anyone who loves animals and it willing to do some hard work.
A normal day at the project was arriving at 8:45. We usually started with cleaning out duck cages or doing the morning feeds for the animals. Of course, it changes day to day. We usually had lunch from anywhere between 11 to 1 (whenever the morning duties were done) and then we would come back and do the afternoon duties, which included but was not limited to afternoon feeding of the animals, raking out cages, laundry, cleaning dishes, garbage, doing some work around the yard etc.
I think that Travellers has a very good system going with the project and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The people are so friendly and nice and they really do need the help as it is entirely volunteers working. This way you are always meeting new people which is fun but you also get to take care of all the animals that so desperately need it.

BRIGIDA QUINLAN
Canadian
Animal Care in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Perth

Working at the Centre was an entirely positive experience. This is because the work is quite fulfilling. At the end of each day I left feeling happy about the work that was done for the birds and other animals since they were much better off there then being left in the wild to fend for themselves. The amount of time and care that is dedicated to these animals is amazing, the volunteers there are very passionate about their work and make sure that everything is done properly.
I gained experience working with people and certain animals. Learned a lot about Australian culture and wildlife native to Australia (especially certain bird species). The best thing about the placement is the rewarding feeling when an animal that was being treated is releases successfully back into its original habitat.
I would definitely recommend this placement to people who are willing to do some tough and/or dirty work in the heat. This placement is for people who are able to do tough work for the sense of reward they can gain from it. It’s not for anyone who isn't willing to pitch in or for people who have expectations of just playing with animals all day. The placement itself was a really good experience. The people we worked with were amazing, especially since they were mostly just dedicated volunteers.
Everything was pretty much out in the open and our expectations of the work weren't any different from what it actually was so it all worked out well. Travellers was very good in making sure things went smoothly both before and after departure from Canada.
A typical day:
Wake up at 6:45, get dressed, go downstairs and eat breakfast (usually with other people staying at the Lodge which was a great way to meet people) leave the Lodge around 7:30 and walk to Perth underground station. Catch the train to Murdoch, then a bus at 8:18. Get off near hope road and walk for about 10mins to the project.
Usually our duties included: Feeding the ducks, Cleaning their vivariums, feeding the birds in all the back aviaries, weighing the magpies, feeding the magpies (hourly), changing the newspaper in the magpie cages, doing the ducks lunch time feeds (chopped lots of lettuce while we were there).
Tea break usually around 11:30, where we would get to talk with all the other volunteers and learn about their lives etc. Afternoon duties were the same as the morning ones (prepping and delivering the afternoon feeds, cleaning the duck vivariums etc. Other duties included doing and hanging laundry, cleaning out the back aviaries, sweeping the paths, cleaning around the building, helping in the hospital to clean the cages in there and prep meals. We finished around 3:30 and made our way back to the Lodge.

It was an amazing experience for me. I learned so much and will take so much away from it. All the people involved were amazing to work with. Our first day in Perth we made contact with Annette who was very helpful and gave us lots of good info on Perth and places to check out. She brought us to the induction at the Centre and we were made to feel welcome there.

CATHERINE BOWLER
British
Animal Care in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Perth

I first decided to do a volunteer placement because I had been in my office job for a while. I wanted a change and to take a career break for a few months to do something I would really enjoy and that I was passionate about. I have always loved animals, so I did a search on the internet and found the wildlife rehabilitation placement in Australia organised by Travellers.

Working at the Wildlife Centre has been a great experience for me. A highlight of working at the wildlife rehabilitation centre was going to the schools on educational visits. This involved learning about a specific animal thoroughly and then talking to the children about it, showing them the animals and answering their questions. I also found it very rewarding to be able to release an animal because you know that you contributed to rehabilitating it and have seen its condition improve such a lot from when it was brought in.
I feel I gained valuable knowledge about Australian animals, their behaviour, diet, anatomy, handling and treatment of ailments. This is something I am really interested in and would not have been able to experience in such a hands on way without doing this kind of voluntary work.
I worked 4 days a week, and on my days off I used to go for walks along the Swan River taking in the scenery, or go up to King’s Park. I did some sightseeing – the Swan Bell Tower, the art gallery and museum. The town centre is great for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat or a drink, or have a wander around Fremantle markets to pick up some souvenirs. Rottnest Island was one of the highlights of my trip. It was great to hire a bike and cycle around the island seeing the wild quokkas.
I would also definitely recommend a tour to explore the West Coast. I did a 10 day tour up the coast to Broome, exploring the coast and taking in the gorgeous scenery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this project. All the other volunteers were very friendly and helpful and I got a lot of hands on experience of working with Australian animals which is what I was looking to achieve from this placement. I got excellent support from Travellers as well

Can you describe a typical day? A typical week varies depending on the type of animals that come in and what treatment they require. General morning duties would be to see to all the educational animals (permanent residents). This involves taking out food bowls, sweeping the areas, giving fresh water and replacing food pellets.
The other main morning duty would be the bilbies. This involves weighing and maintaining how much food has been eaten, replacing pellets, cleaning the boxes and sifting sand. Also removing waste and debris, raking sand and replacing trees. A volunteer would do one or the other of these morning duties, followed by morning tea around 11am for approximately 45mins.
After this I would prepare fruit for the bobtail lizards or clean aviaries/hot boxes. Depending on what needed to be done I would feed birds, help with treatments, do the washing up or clothes washing/drying.
The main afternoon duty would be to prepare fruit and vegetables for the educational animals, then weigh out all the food for the bilbies and western barred bandicoots and prepare food bowls for the other animals. This was quite a long process so took some time. Other than that I would help to tube feed birds or help with treatments. Then I would take the food out to the educational animals and then sign out.
Saturdays are slightly different as the orphaned joeys are brought in and one of the morning tasks is to bottle feed them. This was one of my favourite tasks.