Introduction:

This volunteering program has been developed for triple purposes. First, it gives the volunteer the opportunity to experience and work at the Thailand gibbon rehabilitation centre which currently houses over seventy gibbons. Secondly, the aim of this project is to conduct effective rehabilitation of gibbons back to their natural habitat. Thirdly, it also provides ongoing care to gibbons unsuitable for repatriation, some are infected with communicable diseases.

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project houses a sanctuary, dealing exclusively with gibbons, many of whom have come to us by various means from situations of abuse and cruelty. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project provides a refuge for these unfortunate animals who, through no fault of their own, have fallen victims to uncaring thoughtless humans. The sanctuary was created in the late 1980's by people concerned about the large number of gibbons being exploited in bars and restaurants in the Phuket area and being kept illegally.

Little knowledge of gibbons existed at the time but it quickly became apparent that most of the animals in captivity were incapable of ever leading a life of self-sufficiency in the forest. Their proximity to humans and the consequent amount of time spent with them had destroyed all their natural behavior patterns. A few of them still had their natural instincts that would help them to survive in the wild. So, after a period of rehabilitation, they were released. The same situation happens today with the majority of gibbons staying with us on a long-term basis. For these animals, we provide ongoing welfare. Those who show ability to live in freedom are placed under the direction of our team of Thai Staff and prepared for release. Concernin activities at the GRP (Gibbon Rehabilitation Project), volunteers are involved in all aspects of welfare of the gibbons and in the observation of behavioral activities of the ones that have been released.

The program:

Volunteers work six days a week usually for 8 hours per day. The routine work is divided into 4 main tasks.
1. Quarantine and Rehabilitation Site: this involves food preparation, feeding, cage maintenance, cleaning, observation and health checks.

2. Reintroduction Site: this involves forest feeding, mapping and trail maintenance, follow up and data collection.

3. Conservation Education and Fund-raising: volunteers give speeches to tourists educating them about the problems gibbons face and sell merchandise.

4. Other: this involves normal office administration tasks such as checking documents for correct English grammar, preparing leaflets etc. 

It should also be noted that volunteers are not allowed to handle the gibbons; physical contact is only allowed in the presence and under the supervision of the Thai staff.

Accommodation:

Volunteers live in bungalow type buildings in a small village close to the sanctuary. Accommodation is basic with two people usually sharing a bedroom with fan, mosquito net and cloth hanger. All occupants of the bungalow share toilet, shower and cooking facilities.  Food can easily be found at local restaurants. A local market and internet access are available in the area. The Centre is based at three sites on Phuket: the Bang Pae Waterfall where the in-cage rehabilitation of gibbons is, the centre of conservation education and fundraising, and lastly another base is about 2 kms away in the village of Bang Rong where you will find the project office, the volunteer accommodation and the gibbon quarantine area. The other site is the research and release site at Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting area, National Park Wildlife and Plant department.

Requirements:

 If you want to join this challenging program, you have to meet a few basic rules:  

• Minimum age of 17 years
• minimum stay of 3 weeks
• maximum stay of 12 weeks
• A normal level of fitness
• You need to respect the Thai culture, be open-minded and have a friendly attitude towards the local people and the animals.

The Project includes:

• Transportation to/from project location from/to bus terminal or airport
• Orientation and training during the first and second week
• Project T-shirts plus a ride to shopping areas each week
• All fees for inclusion in the project
• Food (2 meals a day)
• Accommodation at the project site during the contracted stay period
• Supervision
• Insurance

Not included in the price:  

•  Passport / visa fees
•  Travel expenses within Thailand
•  Travel, Cancellation and Health Insurance (all participants must be in possession of proof of coverage for all of these)
•  Personal expenses i.e. laundry bills, telephone bills, souvenirs, internet, etc.

What to bring:  

• Long sleeved tops/shirts for walking in the forest
• Long trousers for forest and evenings

• Lightweight rain coat or poncho for the rainy season

• Lightweight walking boots or shoes

• Shoes for every day use that can be easily slipped on and off. Note: It is the Thai custom to remove shoes before entering most shops and buildings!
• Camera/ Video recorder (Remember to pack your rechargers!!)

• Ordinary batteries can be bought in the local town.

• Current Medication

• Mosquito repellent

• Sun cream and after sun

• Sun hat for protection whilst out observing Gibbons

Please contact us for more information or booking!

Eco Explorer Co., Ltd. 328/19 Moo 8,  Tambol Surasak, Sreracha, Chonburi 20110 Thailand.
Telephone / fax  : +66 38-775-349

Email: info@realexperiencethailand.com