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Excellent 4.80rating (192)

Zoo and Animal Caretaker

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Unique opportunity of working along with Rangers at a Zoo in Australia.
  • Assist with the daily activities and with visitors.
  • Have close encounters and care for different wildlife species of Australia.

Highlights

  • Unique opportunity of working along with Rangers at a Zoo in Australia.
  • Assist with the daily activities and with visitors.
  • Have close encounters and care for different wildlife species of Australia.
  • Live in beautiful tropical northern Australia
  • Improve your English.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work along with staff and other volunteers from all walks of life at a privately-owned zoo that is dedicated to the care of Australia’s native wildlife!

    Are you a nature lover? Then venture in to Australia and be part of a unique opportunity and gain the satisfaction that comes from working in a great environment with an amazing team. Work along with staff and other volunteers from all walks of life at a privately-owned zoo that is dedicated to the ...

    About the program

    Are you a nature lover? Then venture in to Australia and be part of a unique opportunity and gain the satisfaction that comes from working in a great environment with an amazing team. Work along with staff and other volunteers from all walks of life at a privately-owned zoo that is dedicated to the care of Australia’s native wildlife in their natural habitat. Animals include thousands of birds, koalas, crocodiles, eclectus parrots, squirrel gliders, crocodiles, kangaroos, red-tailed cockatoos, snakes, lizards and so many more!

    The Sanctuary is quite popular with many of the local schools, and is recognized as an Advanced Ecotourism Attraction, winning numerous tourism awards. As a volunteer, you will be working shoulder to shoulder with the rangers, where you will perform a variety of duties based on experience and competence. While the minimum duration for a volunteer is two weeks, volunteering for a longer period allows you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge about Australia’s native wildlife and working at a Zoo. This project is perfect for you if you enjoy wildlife and want to live/work in an amazing environment. You will dedicate your time towards the conservation of native wildlife and assist in educating and entertain ing visitors. Volunteers play an important role in the Sanctuary. The work is rewarding but can be physically demanding and by no means an ’easy holiday option’!

    Typical day

    Volunteers play a vital role at the zoo in assisting with the daily activities. Your work will depend on the area you are interested in and will mostly be focused on cleaning, maintenance and food preparation. You will participate in the volunteer training program where training will be done in ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers play a vital role at the zoo in assisting with the daily activities. Your work will depend on the area you are interested in and will mostly be focused on cleaning, maintenance and food preparation. You will participate in the volunteer training program where training will be done in various activities and progress through Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Skills and for appropriate volunteers, to Specialist Skills. The amount and type of animal interaction that volunteers are involved with generally increases with progression through the skill levels. Some volunteers will be asked to perform different duties that you would not be allowed to perform. This is only because they have been volunteering for much longer than you and in time you can also have the same opportunities. Your responsibilities will include but not limited to:

    • Preparing enclosures and the grounds for daily visitors. This includes raking, cleaning, feeding and of course, picking up poo!
    • Preparing food and treats for our animals (including carnivores)
    • Assisting the Rangers in presenting our daily wildlife talks and facilitating animal interactions
    • Assisting in the maintenance of the grounds
    • Assisting the Rangers with their duties, such as weighing our animals and undertaking health checks
    • Helping our visitors get the most out of their time at the Sanctuary
    • Assisting the Rangers with tour groups
    • Other specialised activities, such as preparing educational material, gardening, construction and visitor assistance.

    Free-time activities

    On days off, volunteers can go sightseeing to nearby Museums and Parks. Lots of activity such as; diving/snorkling, water sports, boat tours, helicopter tours and more also available however, this will be at the volunteers expense.

    Free-time activities

    On days off, volunteers can go sightseeing to nearby Museums and Parks. Lots of activity such as; diving/snorkling, water sports, boat tours, helicopter tours and more also available however, this will be at the volunteers expense.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The Fees includes:

    • Hostel in Townsville.
    • Meals included at homestay and not included if you choose to stay at the hostel.
    • Fly to Townsville Airport where your homestay family will be waiting on you. 
    • Ongoing Service and 24/7 Emergency Contact

    Airport Pickup at Townsville Airport

    Fronteering will assist you in arranging your shuttle.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will be staying at a local hostel in Townsville.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Townsville Airport (TSV) in Townsville. We assist you to find cheap flights to Australia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Australia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Australia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Australia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    There are no specific start/arrival dates however, we recommend that you start the project on a Monday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $673 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2025
    I volunteered for 4 weeks in Australia at the santucary through Fronteering. MIranda was a very nice and helpful coordinator. The staff at ...
    Richard Miles

    Zoo and Animal Caretaker

    2025
    My time with Fronteering Travel: I can recommend this company and their programs. I had a great time in Australia taking care of the animals ...

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    192
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, Dutch, English
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    Contact Patrick
      Very high response rate
    German, Dutch, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details