Bat Rescue

Queensland, Australia

$1395.00

 

The Experience

Get up close and personal with Flying Foxes in Northern Queensland, Australia. Be involved in a unique opportunity to appreciate and understand the world of bats by helping the Bat Hospital in its efforts to rescue sick, injured and orphaned bats. You will meet 4 species of flying fox as well as tube-nosed bats and microbats!

Volunteers are needed all year round especially from October to February when the project is extremely busy with hundreds of adult bats and orphans with tick paralysis. Australian bats are affected by negative public opinion, entanglement in barbed wire fences, heat stress and loss of habitat. As a volunteer, you will help the team at the hospital to rescue, rehabilitate and release the native bats of Australia and strive to educate the public that flying foxes and other species of Australian bats play an important role in our environment. This project is perfect for those wanting hands-on experience as well as those with an interest in environmental education. Choose to volunteer for a minimum of either one month during the busy season or one week the rest of the year.

This Is Why

  • Help in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Australia’s native bat species including the Flying Foxes!
  • Great opportunity to appreciate and understand the world of bats.
  • Educate the public on the bats and their contribution to our environment.
  • Enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife in the surrounding areas.

 
 
Project Details
  • Key Start Dates
    Year round (especially October to February)
  • Package Price
    1 week  1,395 US$
    2 weeks 1,695 US$
    3 weeks 1,995 US$
    4 weeks 2,395 US$
  • 5 weeks 2,595 US$
  • 6 weeks 2,895 US$
  • 8 weeks 3,095 US$
  • Volunteer duration
    Minimum of 1 week from March – September, Minimum of 4 weeks from Oct - February)
  • Average Work hours
    You will be required to volunteer 7 days per week for an average of 10-15 hours per day during the tick paralysis season (Oct-Feb). In November, it is the busiest with about 200 babies needing to be fed 4 times a day. If you are staying for a long time, the project will make every effort to give you a break for a few days during the busy season. The hours are far more flexible with days off or breaks being easily arranged during outside if the busy tick season. During October to December you may need to start as early as 6Am and end as late as 11pm depending on if you get the early or late shift.
  • Number of Volunteers
    4 - 8
  • Volunteer accommodation
    Available
  • Housing Type
    Shared rooms in a self-contained apartment at the project or tent coats, luxury tents or gazebos that offer more private accommodation.
  • Internet Access
    Available. No cellphone reception
  • Who Are They Looking For?
    Love of the outdoors and a passion for animals especially bats is a priority. Must be a team player, mature and committed to the goals of the project. You should not be fussy, picky or hypersensitive about cleaning. We will not tolerate smoking, alcohol or the use of drugs. Please remember that you are a guest, therefore, respecting the rules is essential.

Fast Facts: Australia

Where? Austalasia, Queensland

Country Size: 1,852,642 million km2 
715,300 sq mi

Population density? 2.7/km2

Country Famous for? Great Barrier Reef, Koalas, Kangaroos, Sea Turtles, Flying Foxes, Wildlife watching, pristine beaches, vibrant cities, friendly people

When to visit: All year round

  • What's Included
    • Placement
      Bat Rescue
    • Accommodation
      Shared rooms in a comfortable self-contained apartment with two to three others. You will have access to a living area with TV, compact kitchen, bathroom, verandah area. Sheets and towels are also provided. Large comfortable Gazebo tents and tentcots are also available. There is power, a single bed, shelves for personal items, table, chair etc. in the gazebo. This offers a bit more privacy. However, the bathroom facilities will be in the main building.
    • Meals
      Provisions for meals are provided
    • Airport Pick up & drop off

      You will fly to Cairns Airport. From the airport, you will catch a bus to go to the project.
    • Ongoing service
      If there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
    • Tours
      Through FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Australia after you have finished your volunteer project.
    • 24/7 Emergency contact
      If there are any problems during you stay in Vancouver you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.

    What's not included: Flights and Insurance

    Package Price: 
    01 Week: $1,395.00 US
    02 Weeks: $1,695.00 US
    03 Weeks: $1,995.00 US
    04 Weeks: $2,395.00 US

  • RESPONSIBILITIES

    As a volunteer at the project you must be willing to work long days during the busy season and be part of the team that rescues, rehabilitates and releases these wonderful creatures. Although the work can demand a lot of your time, your contribution towards the survival of these bats will see many of them being saved and this will be the ultimate reward. Your responsibilities at the project will vary depending on the season you chose to visit the project and will include:

    • Prepare large amounts of food for the adult bats and orphans
    • Feed, clean, weigh and measure the orphan bats
    • Cleaning the cages
    • Handle large amounts of laundry
    • Assist in trips to the rainforest to search and release (depending on the season)
    • Help with miscellaneous projects around the hospital.
  • Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
    • Required to commit to a minimum of 1 week during off season and 4 during October to February.
    • Must be committed to the welfare of bats and the team.
    • Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humour, dependable, physically and mentally fit and be able to work in a team.
    • Age: 22+
    • No animal allergies. NO SMOKING is allowed on the property
    • Must have rabies vaccination and provide proof of vaccination before going to the project.Extreme Weather (heat & cold) especially the heat in the summer.
    • A love for animals and some general experience of caring for an animal is a must!
    • Must read and agree to abide by guidelines and ethics and Must attend training sessions at the start and daily/monthly meetings.
    • Good knowledge of the English and good communication skills
  • Volunteer Benefits
    • Contribute towards the conservation and welfare of the native species of bats in Australia.
    • Expand your knowledge on bats in general and understand their importance to the environment.
    • Great opportunity to work with a team that is dedicated to their work and explore the beautiful surroundings on your days off.
  • Fast Facts
    • Project location
      Atherton Tablelands, Australia
    • Area Famous For
      Yugaburra Folk Festival, Paronella Park, Heritage Museums, National Parks, Water sports, breathtaking waterfalls, rainforests, Lot of wildlife, tree Kangaroos, beaches, friendly people
    • When to visit
      All year round
    • Wildlife viewing
      Atherton Tablelands has great opportunities to view wildlife which includes tree kangaroos, Flying Foxes, Koalas, crocodiles, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Snakes, Wombats, and much more!
        • Itinerary & Details

          Day 1 - Arrive in Australia;
          You will arrive in beautiful Cairns where you will catch a bus to go to the project

          For 1  or more - Care for bats in beautiful Atherton Tablelands! For the coming weeks you will have a great time working directly with the team that is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of bats in Australia.

          Your last day - You will travel back to Perth and fly home or take the opportunity to travel through Australia . Our staff will gladly help you to book any tours to see more of this great country.

         
  • Accommodation
    You will stay in a shared room in a comfortable self-contained apartment with two to three others. You will have access to a living area with TV, compact kitchen, bathroom, verandah area. Sheets and towels are also provided. Large comfortable Gazebo tents and tentcots are also available. There is power, a single bed, shelves for personal items, table, chair etc. in the gazebo. This offers a bit more privacy. However, the bathroom facilities will be in the main building.

    Meals

    Healthy meals at nights where everyone is expected to help with the preparation and cleaning up. The project caters for vegetarians and vegans as well. Provisions for breakfast and lunch are provided and you are responsible for preparing your own meals and please make sure you clean up after yourself.

    Location

    This project is about an 80-minute drive from beautiful Cairns, Australia. There are great opportunities to view amazing wildlife and spectacular sceneries in the diverse rainforest region.

Coming Soon

 

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