Info

Internship at Colombo Zoo with variety of animals where you'll assist in trying to uplift the quality of life of the animals by improving the enclosures and keeping the animals mentally stimulated. Fun!!

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Zoo has a tremendous variety of animals. It is a beautiful zoo set amongst acres of lush Sri Lankan vegetation. The nature of your work will vary according to what is required every day and also the Zoo’s needs in general during the period of time that you’re there. This project is for animals lovers and people who don't mind hard work and getting their hands dirty.

Since our volunteers have started working at the Zoo, progress in improvements in the facilities for the animals has been slow but steady, with lots of enclosure enrichment projects adding new elements to the quality of the animals' lives. When you apply for this project, we'll give you lots of ideas and suggestions for enclosure enrichment that you will be able to become involved with, or you may even be able to instigate your own ideas for projects that will improve the animals' quality of life.

There are a vast number and variety of animals at the Zoo, currently 12 elephants, many different primates and chimps, hippos, giraffes, bears, seals, zebra, snakes, crocodiles, antelope, fish and various other animals. There is also a lone Orang Utan and an aquarium. One of the major attractions is the elephant shows that the Zoo holds with not less than 6 Indian elephants and another attraction is the beautiful butterfly park.

The Zoo is hailed in several guide books as one of Asia's best and most beautiful zoos. It is a quite a large zoo and usually takes visitors about 2 hours to see everything. However, the conditions in which some of the animals are kept are not very good and can be distressing. We hope that over time that our volunteers can make effective contributions to the animals’ welfare and hopefully have a positive influence on the conditions under which some of them live.


YOUR WORK ON THIS PROJECT

The nature of your work will vary according to what is required every day and also the Zoo’s needs in general during the period of time that you’re there. This project is for animals lovers and people who don't mind hard work and getting their hands dirty. Work starts early because a lot is done before opening time at 8.30.

Your duties will include assisting with some or all of the following:
• Cleaning out the animal cages so that they're kept comfortable and healthy.
• Cleaning and feeding the primates. <
• Washing down the enclosures and refilling the animals' baths.
• Feeding some animals (excluding any of the dangerous ones, such as crocodiles and possibly the big cats).
• Behavioural observation, plus on occasion caring for sick animals.
• Preparing the animals' food.
• Gardening to maintain the surroundings.
• Helping to build the children's play area.
• For people with an interest in animals, there are opportunities to learn about the different species and what is involved in animal care in a third world country.
• Although you'll help care for and feed some of the animals at the Zoo, your work with any big or dangerous animals can only be undertaken under close supervision.


ACCOMMODATION

You'll live in a lovely house with other Travellers volunteers in Ja-Ela (there are lots of bathrooms, one for each room!). The house is typical of the Sri Lankan style and you will have all necessary facilities and a comfortable communal living area to socialise in.


ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT

All our volunteers use their weekends and free time to do a lot of travelling around the southern part of the island. There are many, many attractive tourist sights to see, ranging from glorious beaches to impressive temples. The towns and villages are fascinating and so different to what we're used to in the Western world.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Sri Lanka. A very popular combination that most of our volunteers do is the Elephant Experience project combined with another project like this one in Ja-Ela where we have an enormous and very beautiful volunteer house. This way you get two very different experiences in two very different locations.



WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the exotic island of Sri Lanka.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• The satisfaction of helping to contribute to the well-being of captive animals by improving their enclosures and living spaces
• And best of all ...an unforgettable experience!


WHAT TO DO NEXT

•Talk to us - We're there to help you. 0845 3 447 585
•Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
•If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
•If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
•It’s as easy as that.


OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...

"I'm just emailing to let you know what an amazing time I had at the zoo last month! It was without a doubt the best experience I've ever had!! Amatar was great and let us work with the animals we wanted to work with - I think in three weeks Wendy and I did just about everything. The staff were friendly and the opportunities they gave us were unbelievable!" Jennie Elliott

"I am having the most incredible time here at the zoo. It is something that is very much changing my thoughts and perception of things." Henal Chotai

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £945 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.