Thailand – Gibbon Primate Sanctuary

Thailand’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, plateaus, valleys and beaches, are an excellent place to start when exploring this country. And for a little more action, Thailand’s capital and largest city, Bangkok, is known for a vibrant night life and various tourist attractions.

This project takes place near Mae Sot, next to the Burmese (Myanmar) border, about 500 km north of Bangkok. The town has a mixture of Thai, Burmese and Chinese natives, giving it a distinct energy and attitude.

Please note: This is a remote project location and requires an overnight bus ride (cost included in the placement fee). There is an option to fly directly to Mae Sot airport – please ask for more details.

This project aims to rescue gibbons that have been injured or abused. The shelter where you will be volunteering is designed to provide a secure and comfortable habitat for these animals. Gibbons in this shelter stay there for the duration of their lives, as they would be at extreme risk if returned to the wild. In other words, the project does not release any of the gibbons back into the wild – as many of the gibbons have missing limbs or injuries that mean they would simply not survive in the wild. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to make the gibbons comfortable with human interaction and to establish mutual trust between the two species.

One of the most important goals for volunteers in the project is to provide the gibbons in the shelter with the care they deserve. The main activities will be to prepare food for the gibbons, clean and tidy up their enclosures, groom them and perhaps most importantly – to “socialize” with them. Volunteers will be assigned various tasks and responsibilities at the gibbons shelter:

Food preparation: Volunteers prepare food for the gibbons twice a day at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The food is prepared for each gibbon according to their individual nutritional requirements. Volunteers also assist in the actual feeding of the gibbons.

Cleaning enclosures: It’s a part of any wildlife shelter project; the cleaning and organizing of enclosures has to be done daily. For safety reasons, the gibbons are taken out during the cleaning.

Socializing: Many of these gibbons are scared of humans because of previous experiences. Your goal will be to make them comfortable around humans through activities such as holding their hands or grooming their hair. This may sound like an insignificant task, but its benefits cannot be underestimated.

Internet: WiFi is available in the afternoon in public areas.

Laundry: Volunteers should expect to wash their laundry by hand.

Accommodations: You will stay in a room with one other person. The rooms are single-gender and have en suite bathrooms, hot showers, a kitchen and bedroom. They are equipped with fans and WiFi. A selection of DVD’s is available in the TV room. Please note that the site is based in the jungle and is; therefore, very rural. This is perfect for volunteers who love trekking and are comfortable with basic accommodations. When traveling in Sing Buri and/or Bangkok, please expect to find basic accommodations in most locations. This may include small rooms and no hot water for showers. In some cases, you have the option to upgrade to a private or comfort room.

Food: Three typical Thai style meals are provided per day. The food in not too spicy (unless requested).

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Good level of English
• Motivation to work with wildlife
• Able to work in hot and humid climate
• Rabies vaccine is highly recommended

Culture Week (Highly Recommended):
This week is a great opportunity to learn about Thailand and meet other international volunteers. It offers you tours around historical areas (Ayutthaya historical park), Thai language lessons, cooking lessons, taste-testing (Thai BBQ), school visits, sightseeing (Wat Phra Phutthabat Temple, known as “Buddha’s footprint”)  and so much more! This week will ease you into your volunteering experience by providing you with an better understanding of the history, culture and customs. Please note that the schedule can change at any time based on the weather conditions.

Travel Extras:
You can extend your stay in Thailand with one or more great program add-ons for an additional fee. Here are the opportunities we recommend and please request a full list of options upon registration.

• Thai Boxing: Sign up for authentic and traditional Thai boxing classes under the provincial champion of the Sing Buri district. Learn the basic principles and foundations of the exquisite art form, Muay Thai.
• Hua Hin Beach & Volunteer Week: This jam-packed week will help you make the most of your experience in Thailand. You will have the chance to go on cultural excursions to learn about Thai Buddhism and assist monks with daily chores. You will also have the opportunity to teach local children with some time dedicated to beach conservation. On a few afternoons you will have free time to relax at the beaches of Hua Hin!
• Jungle Trek: Get ready for adventure as you trek through the tropical forests west of Sing Buri. You’ll have the opportunity to sleep under the stars, trek to spectacular waterfalls and caves hidden in the jungle and more!
• Thai Buddhism Immersion in Wang Nam Khiao: During this week-long program you will be introduced to Buddhism. You will have the chance to discuss Buddhism with a local monk and enjoy a two-day stay at the Wat Suptawee Temple to learn walking and sitting meditation forms as well as experience the daily life of monks.