Located in the heart of Western Australia, this wildlife rehabilitation centre is devoted to treating and caring for sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. Our partner organization welcomes over 2,400 animals annually, providing their patients with expert rehabilitation services with the aim of reintroducing them into the wild. Their core mission is dedicated to the protection and welfare of native wildlife, achieved through comprehensive animal care and enlightening educational outreach programs. Among the diverse patients treated are Echidnas, Bobtails, Quendas, Red Kangaroos, and a variety of birds, including the Tawny Frogmouth and Lorikeet. Specialized nursery care is provided for orphaned babies, like Bandicoots and Possums. The centre also serves as a permanent home for many animals, some of which are integral to a successful breeding and reintroduction program, while most play a pivotal role in our educational efforts. These permanent residents include Echidna, Emu, Bilbies, Tawny Frogmouth, Wallaby, Cockatoo, and many others. This unique setup offers our volunteers the chance to interact deeply with and care for these animals, making their experience both enriching and enjoyable.
While they accept all forms of native wildlife, the hospital frequently collaborates with other wildlife caregivers, delegating animals to those specializing in specific species. They do this to ensure that all animals receive the best care possible, starting from their initial admission to the hospital. You will see a variety of animals at the admission stage, and throughout the year, the hospital is busy treating a variety of birds and bobtails. Volunteers are also offered the rewarding opportunity to engage with the resident animals closely. For cases requiring medical attention, the centre partners with a local veterinary clinic that aligns with their mission and values. It's worth noting, however, that species diversity tends to decrease during the winter months (April to August) when temperatures drop and fewer animals are admitted.
By joining us, you're not just volunteering; you're taking part in a joyful and fulfilling journey that makes a tangible difference in the lives of Australia's native wildlife.
As a volunteer at this centre, you'll play a critical role in caring for all the animals they nurture. Your hands-on tasks will include cleaning habitats, preparing and distributing meals, engaging in animal enrichment activities, and assisting with laundry and overall maintenance. Your support in the education and outreach initiatives will also be invaluable.
Due to the intricate nature and safety requirements of animal handling and treatment, extensive training is required. This means that volunteers are usually unable to perform advanced treatment procedures independently during their tenure at the centre.
Your schedule consists of three shifts daily: morning, afternoon, and evening. As a volunteer, you'll contribute to seven weekly shifts, totalling about 25 hours. If you're motivated, there's always room for you to commit to more hours. Plus, you can bundle your shifts, allowing you to enjoy some time off as you wish.
During your volunteer experience, you will rotate through various areas such as the Hospital, the Nocturnal Room, and Resident Animal Husbandry. You will also spend time with the Bilbies in the Reptile Room, assisting at reception and shadowing both a Tube Feeder and a Treatment Specialist. Opportunities may even arise for you to participate in the exhilarating experience of an airport pick-up for a rescued animal or the release of a rehabilitated wildlife patient back into the wild.
Your time at this wildlife rehabilitation centre promises to be fulfilling as you support critical wildlife rescue efforts.
Welcome to your home away from home at the Ranger's Hut—a cozy cabin on the wildlife centre's grounds. The hut is all yours, complete with a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom. For relaxation and entertainment, the hut is equipped with a TV compatible with DVDs or USBs, and free wifi. Though you’ll working as caretakers reside on-site, ready to help you out anytime outside of regular hours. If the Ranger's Hut is already booked, a charming, family-run hostel just a short walk from the centre will host you instead. Opting for the hostel will incur an additional fee, but you’ll enjoy your own air-conditioned room along with access to the kitchen, common room, and wifi.
Please note that meals are not included in the volunteer fees. A full kitchen is at your disposal, and trips into town for groceries and supplies will be arranged as needed.
Do you have safety concerns? We're here to address them! Our team prioritizes your well-being for a comfortable stay.
We’ve got you covered every step of the way! Your volunteering journey includes:
Airport pick-up and drop-off at Perth Airport
Comfortable accommodation
Wifi
Volunteer uniform
Assistance with local transportations
Excursions in the community
Comprehensive pre-departure & on-site training
A donation to our Placement Partner
AEI Travel Manual brimming with key travel insights including packing list, currency information and in-depth placement description
Premium Individual Travel Insurance (up to USD 500,000 in emergency medical coverage)
24/7 emergency support throughout your placement
One tree planted for every volunteer to help offset carbon emissions and create more livable ecosystems for wildlife
Enrolment with the Global Travel Academy to earn a certificate in International Volunteering
The package does not cover flights, entry visa costs, international and domestic airport taxes, immunizations, medications and meals.
This engaging program runs year-round, every single day, offering you flexibility and the chance to participate when it suits you best. Our Placement Partner appreciates a 4-week commitment from volunteers, with placements beginning at the start of each month. When arranging your travel, please aim to arrive on the first day of your shift, anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM, for a smooth start. The Ranger’s Hut is versatile, offering either a double bed or an additional single bed, comfortably accommodating up to three individuals. Should you prefer, alternate accommodation offsite can be arranged for an additional fee.
Considering fundraising to cover some or all of your placement fees? Many of our clients have been extremely successful with their fundraising efforts. For inspiration and ideas on fundraising for your adventure with us, check out the success stories on our fundraising page!
Our wildlife centre offers a unique opportunity, nestled in Australia's heartland, approximately 50 minutes from Perth by bus. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in wildlife rehabilitation, gaining hands-on experience and learning from the seasoned staff at the centre. This is an opportunity to not only work with a diverse range of native Australian wildlife, including avian species, but also to expand your knowledge about their natural history, nutritional needs, and rehabilitation processes. Your involvement with animal care, as per safety guidelines, will depend on your skills and experience. While a commitment to seven volunteer shifts per week is typically expected, we encourage and welcome your eagerness to be as involved as possible. The more you participate, the richer your experience will be!
Volunteering at our wildlife rehabilitation centre is about learning, contributing, having fun, and embracing authentic Australian experiences. Imagine living in your private cabin amidst the breathtaking natural landscape of a National Park. Here, you’ll create lifelong memories, forge genuine bonds, and experience the country's natural beauty. Our warm and friendly local volunteers quickly welcome international guests, offering trips into town for shopping and exploration. When you're off duty, the bustling city life of Perth is just a bus ride away, ready to be discovered. You make a difference, grow, and have a truly unforgettable experience in Australia.
“The people in Australia were soooooo generous, I learned so much from everyone and made some good friends. They would take me out to the city to see stuff and always offered to help me. If you just ask, they’re so helpful. Once, I asked if I could help out in the examination room, and the supervisor at the time let me stay there all shift, and she showed me how to bandage a bird's wing, give a needle to a bobtail, etc.”
B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency. We have been a B Corp since 2013, and since then, we have always been in the top 10% of quantifiable benefits to the environment and the communities in which we operate.
We acknowledge the traditional and contemporary custodians of the land on which Animal Experience International’s Barrie office is located. These people are the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississauga, and Wendake-Nionwentsïo People and we recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and culture. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
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