ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com
THE TRAVELLERS / SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT PARTNERSHIP:
Travellers have worked closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department for many, many
years. In the past, several volunteers from the Travellers Orang-Utan project have
been invited by the Sabah Wildlife Department to help with various projects to set
up the Wildlife Park. One assisted in the design of the sun bear enclosure and another
designed and produced the Wildlife Parks information pamphlet.
Travellers also donated £5,140.00 from the Bridge The Gap Foundation (The Phil Perkes
Trust) to sponsor the Children’s Zoo. The Children’s Zoo is first and foremost an
educational facility with an information centre currently under construction that
will boast live exhibits. Brightly painted murals engage attention and the petting
zoo allows children to have hands on contact with domestic animals and wildlife
to encourage learning about conservation. In the petting area there are Rabbits,
Tortoise, Miniature Ponies and Goats. Travellers' donation reflects their commitment
in education and raising awareness about conservation.
2010 saw the start of a Conservation Awareness Programme at Lok Kawi, funded by
Travellers and involving over 1000 local school children in its' first year. The
purpose of the awareness programme is to teach the importance of nature and wildlife
conservation to younger generations through exposure to Borneo's native wildlife.
This and many other initiatives have been very successful.
MORE ABOUT THE LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK:
The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was opened in February 2007 and has enjoyed high visitor
numbers, with the majority of visitors being local Malays. There are plans to develop
an education programme amongst local schools and a volunteer programme for Malaysian
citizens.
The Wildlife Park is set in a 280 acre forest reserve is in the district of Penampang,
just 15 kms south west of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is
run by the Sabah Wildlife Department and has been developed with education and fostering
awareness of conservation issues in mind. Unlike some other Zoos in the region,
the Wildlife Park is very big and is able to provide animals with enclosures which
imitate natural conditions as much as possible. For children, the petting area provides
a hands on experience and the chance to learn about conservation.
The Wildlife Park is a cross between a traditional Wildlife Park and a Zoo, many
people refer to it as a modern Zoo. The Park's main aims are to Increase Public
Awareness, Provide World Class animal facilities and enclosures, Start an environmental
education programme, Make captive breeding of endangered species possible, and allow
research activities to take place. Not only will the Wildlife Park strive to achieve
these objectives but also to provide educational opportunities for locals, foreigners
and schools, diversify the local economy and utilize local manpower.
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!
On Arrival, Your Introduction to the Country
When you arrive, you'll be welcomed by Ronn. She is the Volunteer Co-ordinator,
assisting Albert, our Malaysia Manager. Ronn
will take you to your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, where you will spend the first
couple days of your trip. She will show you the nearby facilities such as banks,
pharmacy, food and beverage outlets etc.
Albert will give you an evening induction (so you will be free to do some activities
during the daytime). You will then be taken to your project and accommodation and
introduced to everyone concerned. You will be made to feel very welcome by all!
Our projects in Malaysia (particularly the Orang-Utan Centre, which you must
visit(!) are very popular and you are sure to have a wonderful time during your
stay in Sabah. Your adventure
has begun :-)