At our Sanctuary in Lao PDR, the work of a volunteer involves helping in daily feeding, improving and maintaining the animal enclosures and providing enrichment for the animals.  Volunteers will be making a difference in the lives of wild animals from bears, monkeys, reptiles, mammals to birds.

ACRES Lao PDR has partnered the Lao Zoo to establish the Lao Wildlife Sanctuary, the first Wildlife Sanctuary for all species of wildlife in Lao PDR. We are committed to developing Lao Zoo into a Sanctuary for wild animals rescued from the wildlife trade in Lao PDR.

ACRES aims to:

  • Improve the welfare of animals at the Lao Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Provide sanctuary to animals rescued from the wildlife trade in Lao PDR.
  • Develop educational outreach programmes.

Located in a scenic part of rural Vientiane province, ACRES Lao Wildlife Sanctuary is a 90-minute drive north of Vientiane capital along Route 13.

 

Volunteer Programme

ACRES offers a unique opportunity for members of the public to get involved in our work and join us in making a difference for animals. At our Sanctuary in Lao PDR, the work of a volunteer involves helping in daily feeding, improving and maintaining the animal enclosures and providing enrichment for the animals.  Volunteers will be making a difference in the lives of wild animals from bears, monkeys, reptiles, mammals to birds.

The main outcome of the project is to support the community effort in improving animal welfare as well as to raise awareness on the illegal wildlife trade. You will learn about the “Five Freedoms” that any animal deserves and observe their behaviour while working alongside the locals; you will also get to witness the direct impact of the programme on the quality of life for the animals here.

 

Cost

This project is supported by the Love Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit animal protection organisation.

Volunteer rates:

  • 1 week – US$400
  • 2 weeks – US$750
  • 3 weeks – US$1,100
  • 4 weeks – US$1,400
  • Above 4 weeks: (Per extra week) US$250

Inclusive of: Accommodation, 3 vegan meals a day, in-country orientation, in-country staff supervision and pre-departure support.

Not inclusive of: Flights, land transfers, insurance, visas, vaccinations and personal expenses.

Whilst ACRES Lao implements a strict no-contact rule with the animals and every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of our volunteers, there is still a small risk of coming into contact with our animal friends. We therefore highly recommend that all volunteers receive the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Tetanus. You may also want to consult your doctor for advice about other relevant vaccinations/medication.

For volunteers under the age of 18 years old, a parent/guardian's consent (indemnity guarantor) is required and to be supervised by a teacher/guardian/parent at all times during the volunteer programme.

ACRES is a Singapore-based charity and Institute of Public Character, and is registered as an International NGO in Lao PDR and in Australia.