There are four main species of gibbons native to Thailand, the most widespread of these is the White-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar).
Project
Volunteering with White handed gibbons in Thailand; The Project was set up in 1992. The project’s goal is to save gibbons and their rainforest habitat through rehabilitation and education. At the project works with gibbons that have come from captivity. This rehabilitation project aims to repopulate the rainforest in an area where gibbons lived before they were poached to extinction. In addition, the project attempts to educate both locals and tourists in order to reduce the problem in the future. They observe the released gibbons and collect data to help them understand how these gibbons cope once they are back in the wild. It also means they can develop a better understanding of released gibbons so that they can more effectively rehabilitate the gibbons in their care.
The project staff consists of a small group of full-time Thai employees. They are enthusiastic and enjoy training and working with volunteers. The languages spoken at this project are English and Thai.
The project is partly situated in a small village, and partly in the nearby rainforest on the South of Thailand.
This project is situated outside the touristic part of Phuket but it is possible to arrange excursions to for example the Ko Phi Phi islands or to the mangrove area for canoeing trips. Within 20 minutes you can drive to one of the beautiful beaches, certainly worth visiting!
You will be responsible for arranging your own transport to the project. Further details on travel information to the project will be provided after your booking.
The work varies and after an introduction program it will take place at different sections. There are two programs possible:
Program 1: period 2 weeks (a touch of volunteer experience)
Tasks may be:
– Assisting a team of staff and long term volunteers in Release Preparation.
– Assisting with educational talks at the Education Center, local schools, and leaflet drop|
– Cage maintenance and Refurbishment
Note: this program, volunteers will not get involve in daily animal cares at any of the project animals sites.
Working 6 days a week, approximately 8 hours a day with one day off each week
Program 2
period 4 weeks minimum
Tasks may be:
– Assisting the Animal Keepers with food preparation and feeding.
– Assisting the Gibbon Release, Research Program Team.
– Building new and maintaining existing cages.
– Daily cleaning of the cages.
– Providing daily enrichment for the gibbons.
– Welcoming and educating visitors to the Centre.
– Educating visitors and students at local schools about Gibbon Conservation as well as campaigning against the use of animals as a photo prop in tourist areas.
Working 6 days a week, approximately 8 hours a day with one day off each week.
You will live in a basic bungalow in a small village in Phuket. The bedrooms are normally shared by two volunteers (often bunk beds) Other facilities, kitchen and bathroom, are shared by all occupants.
As a volunteer you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age for participation is 18 years old.
- Volunteers must be in good physical condition and able to communicate in English.
- Vaccinated against DTP, Hepatitis A and B. (additional vaccines are recommended: measles, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid, for vaccines and/or information we advise you to visit your local clinic).
For 2019 there are currently no volunteers needed at this project.
Alternative: project different gibbons in Thailand
| Period | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Program 1 2 weeks |
|
| Program 2 Type A: 4-7 weeks |
|
| Program 2 Type B: 8-13 weeks |
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| Program 2 Type C: 16-26 weeks |
Costs include:
- Information and assistence before departure
- If desired, estimate of flight options / travel possibilities (the most convenient flights options at a glance)
- Accommodation on the project (+drinking water, coffee, tea)
- Use of kitchen facilities
- T-shirt (on side)
- Donation to the project
- Training and assistence on side
- Wifi
- Administration costs
- And, of course a very memorable experience!
For 2021 there are currently no volunteers needed, for more information: info@globalspirit.nl
Alternative: project different gibbons in Thailand
Everything you need to know before you book this project:
Extensive information Project White handed gibbons in Thailand (PDF)