Wildlife Rescue - Tasmania
OPEN NOW for Australian residents. Borders are closed to international arrivals.
Join Love Volunteers in ensuring the survival of Australia's incredible native wildlife in the unique location of Tasmania!
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. With its idyllic location near to forest reserves, conservation areas and the Tasman Sea, the Refuge is temporary home to a vast array of mammals, birds and marine life. 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.
The shelter's patient list is varied and often includes wallabies, pademelons, echidnas, wombats, penguins, sugar gliders and diverse bird species. Little Blue Penguins and Fiordland Crested Penguins are rescued and cared for, normally from December to April. The shelter also takes in rescued baby Tasmanian devils, an iconic endangered marsupial now found in the wild only in Tasmania. Due to the threat of extinction these animals are under the long term protection of a government run program.
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 coastal Tasmania 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.
Located in a coastal resort town amidst conservation areas and forest reserves the shelter provides care to native species including marsupials, birds and penguins. Volunteers are needed to assist primarily with animal care but those with construction or building skills are also very much welcomed to assist with the development of the shelter.
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.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
- Vaccination Certificate
Project Location
Tasmania offers a fascinating bite-sized slice of Australia.
An island state situated at the southern-most tip of this massive continent, Tasmania has a captivating story to tell of its journey through history. From untouched natural wilderness, Aboriginal settlement, colonial history and finally to the destination de résistance it has become today; attracting national and international visitors alike for its fabulous food, fun festivals, phenomenal natural sites and abundance of fauna.
Tasmania retains the rugged, back of beyond, call of the wild nature that is often associated with Australia but also offers the creature comforts and delights of the modern day. Truly a unique and unbeatable location in which to volunteer.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round with programs starting every TUESDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 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 for Tasmania fly into Hobart's international airport and make their way, normally by bus, to the pick-up point. 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: TUESDAY, before 3pm
- Departure Day: TUESDAY
- Arrival Airport: Hobart, Tasmania (code HBA)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteer accommodation is provided on-site in a shared, 3 person cabin complete with kitchenette and bathroom facilities. Linen and towels are provided and laundry can be done on-site once a week.
Wi-Fi is not available at the shelter and volunteers are advised to take their mobile phone and purchase a local data package for internet connection.
Volunteers are advised to bring old, sturdy clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions and nature of the work.
Three meals are provided daily. Volunteers have breakfast and lunch in their private kitchenette and dinner is prepared and shared by volunteers and the local carers. Volunteers help with meal preparation and clean-up and meals are wholesome and well deserved after a hard days' work!
Fees
That’s just USD 79 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.