The sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and
conservation of primates suffering in captivity and to promoting
respect & understanding of primates.
About the Project
This is an excellent opportunity to get
hands-on involvement at a primate sanctuary near Madrid in Spain.
You will be able to take part in all aspects of
caring for over 130 primates (including great apes: 19 chimpanzees and
1 orangutan).
These rescued animals are in a sanctuary that
works hard to provide them with the most natural environment and
conditions for their welfare.
The role here includes collecting and preparing
food, feeding the animals, cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures,
maintaining the enclosure and enhancing enrichment for the primates.
Once you have gained some experience here, you
will be able to take on a considerable amount of responsibility for the
daily care of the primates.
Project price includes: Orientation upon arrival and accomodation.
Not included:
Flights, transport to and from airport, personal travel insurance for the duration of
your placement (must include cover for repatriation), food drinks and
snacks, excursions.
Most of the primates in the sanctuary come from confiscations from the
illegal market, circus and from abandonments at the shelter.
Many of the animals arrive at the sanctuary with severe problems either
physical (malnutrition, mutilations, osseous deformities, cutaneous
infections, lack of hair, etc) or psychological (stereotypes, phobias,
trauma). The organization works hard to end the abuse of primates in
captivity (in situ & ex situ). They also help different projects in
Africa.
Volunteer Duties
The working hours are long and the duties can be physically demanding
so volunteers should be motivated, active, responsible and positive.
Volunteers are required to work five days per week, which is organised
on a rota system. The hours are usually from 9.30am till 2.30pm and
from 3.30pm till 7.30pm. These hours can be longer in the summer in
order to provide more hours of sunlight to the primates. The working
languages at the sanctuary are Spanish and English. Previous experience
in a primate centre or other type of animal care centre is desirable
but not essential.
Important Information
The sanctuary will need a copy of your ID card or passport, copy of
your CV as well as confirmation that you have all the vaccinations
necessary to work around primates: (Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, and the
Tuberculosis test).
It is crucial that you arrange for personal travel insurance for the
duration of your placement and this must include cover for
repatriation. You will be working in the vicinity of wild animals so
please check with your insurance provider as you may require particular
insurance.
