Forest Wildlife Rescue - Victoria
Join Love Volunteers in ensuring the survival of Australia's incredible native wildlife in the remote location of Yackandandah!
This wonderful Wildlife Refuge provides critical care to suffering animals; those who have been injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the aim of releasing as many as possible back into the wild. Located in Stanley State Forest the Refuge is temporary home to a vast array of animals, primarily native marsupial species (kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats and possums). As it receives no income or government funding the Refuge is heavily reliant on the generous support and assistance of volunteers, both local and international.
This incredible Shelter has been striving to save the native Australian wildlife for over 30years and the local staff are experienced and committed. The work of feeding and caring for injured and baby animals is 24/7 and the assistance of international volunteers is greatly appreciated!
Volunteers will find this a challenging and hands-on role, working directly with the shelter team to save and care for the precious animals. Join us on this truly inspirational project in the beauty and serenity of rural Victoria and help save its iconic natural inhabitants!
Goals of this Project:
- Provide a refuge for injured, displaced, orphaned or abandoned animals
- Provide medical attention and appropriate care to animals in need
- Rescue, rehabilitate and release as many native animals as possible
- Be a source of education and inspiration for wildlife preservation
How You Can Help
Volunteers are desperately needed to assist with Wildlife Rescue efforts in Australia. Dedicated local staff work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife and they cannot do this without the invaluable support of a willing volunteer workforce.
Volunteers will be kept busy and engaged on a variety of tasks. The daily schedule of feeding, cleaning, and collecting resources is a busy one so the shelter needs volunteers to assist with tasks such as bottle feeding infant animals, growing, collecting and distributing food materials, assisting with medical treatment as appropriate and ensuring the shelter is kept clean and well maintained.
Care for the rescued animals is required 24/7 so the project operates a flexible seven day working week. There is an excellent camaraderie between local and international volunteers alike, dedicated to a common cause.
Volunteers contribute in various ways and may be involved in the following:
- Bottle feeding and caring for infant and young animals
- Preparing and distributing food
- Assisting in rescue calls
- Administering medical treatment
- Cleaning and maintenance work in the shelter
- Animal enrichment and exercise activities
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes those who wish to give their time and energy to help protect and conserve the native wildlife of Australia. The program is strictly limited to those 18 years and over due to the nature of the work and risks inherent in working with wild and injured animals.
This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in animal conservation/zoological studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
A current tetanus vaccination record is required as a full COVID vaccination.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
The incredible Wildlife Rescue Center this program supports is remotely located in Stanley State Forest, near Yackandandah, in the Australian state of Victoria.
Yackandandah first came to fame as a gold mining town and is now popular with local artists. It is well worth exploring on your way through but, once settled at the project, you will make few trips into 'town' so stock up before arrival.
Yackandandah is best served by flights into either Sydney or Melbourne airport. The journey from either airport to the project is lengthy so please either fly in early morning or allow a night in either city prior to travelling to the project.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with programs starting every WEDNESDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers fly into Melbourne or Sydney international airport. Please note that travel from the airport to Yackandandah can take a full day so please ensure you fly in Wednesday and stay overnight in Sydney or Melbourne or arrive early morning to complete your journey in time for pick-up at 3pm.
Comprehensive transport information is provided once a placement has been confirmed.
Orientation and training is provided on-site and local staff are on-hand to provide supervision, advice and support to volunteers at all times.
- Arrival Day: WEDNESDAY, before 3pm
- Departure Day: WEDNESDAY
- Arrival Airport: Melbourne (MEL) or Sydney (SYD) international airports
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteer accommodation is provided on-site in a shared, 4 person cabin. Linen is provided and laundry is done on-site. Volunteers should bring a towel and personal toiletries. Water is a scare resource so showers are limited.
There is no electricity during the day and wifi is very limited in this location.
Volunteers are advised to bring old, sturdy clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions and nature of the work.
Three meals are provided daily. Meals are prepared in a communal kitchen and volunteers are asked to assist with the preparation and clean-up. Vegetarian and vegan volunteers are welcome and encouraged to assist with the shopping and preparation of meals.
Fees
That’s just USD 78 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.