Bear, Deer & Wolf Haven
Ontario, Canada
$1295.00The Experience
Be part of a team who enjoys the unique privilege of caring for some of Ontario’s diverse animal species including large animals! With over 460 acres of natural habitat, the sanctuary is home to an abundance of wildlife including racoons, bear, deer, wolves, moose, coyote, chipmunks and many more.
For over four decades, the project has dedicated its energies to the rescue and the rehabilitation of sick, orphaned and injured wildlife. There are even facilities equipped to accommodate semi-aquatic species such as beavers and otters and other enclosures act as a permanent home for those species unable to survive in the wild due to human interference. As a volunteer, you will help with the daily activities and cater for the behavioral and biological needs of the wildlife at the sanctuary. The ultimate reward would be to release treated and rehabilitated animals back into the wild where they can continue life in their natural habitat. For a minimum of four weeks, your responsibilities will include feeding the animals to assisting with guiding and educating tourists. May and June are the busiest months with intake of orphaned animals, therefore, the project ask for 8 weeks of consecutive service during this time.
This Is Why
- Help raise, rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife in beautiful Ontario!
- Live at the project, expand your English skills and be part of a team dedicated to the welfare of animals!
- Great opportunity to have close encounters with wildlife!
- Explore Ontario during your days off or after you completed your volunteer work.
- Key Start Dates
Year round - Package Price
04 weeks: $1,295 US
08 weeks: $1,495 US - Volunteer duration
4 weeks. If you plan to come in May or June, you must commit to 8 weeks - Average Work hours
5 days a week for 8 hours per day. There are two shifts (7am – 3pm and 3pm -11pm). Please note that your hours can be extended depending on the number of animals that need care. - Number of Volunteers
4 - 16 - Volunteer accommodation
Available - Housing Type
Shared rustic accommodation at the project. - Internet Access
Wireless internet NOT included, There is roaming in the area but without a Canadian Mobile phone or special package this will be expensive. You need to be okay being in a isolated area! - Who Are They Looking For?
Love of the outdoors and a passion for wildlife is a priority. You should not be fussy, picky or hypersensitive about cleaning as this is one of the main chores. 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: Canada
Where? North America, Canada
Country Size: 9,984,670 km2
3,854,085 sq mi
Population density? 3.41/km2
8.3/sq mi
Country Famous for? Bears, Root Beer, Rocky Mountains, Skiing, Niagara waterfalls, Pacific rainforest, friendly people
When to visit: All year round, skiing and dog sledding in winter and hiking and wildlife viewing in summer
- What's Included
- PlacementBear, Deer & Wolf Haven
- AccommodationShared rustic accommodation with shared washroom facilities, potable well water, laundry facilities and a common room for preparing meals or visiting with other volunteers.
- MealsNot included. You are responsible for your own meals. Transportation to get groceries is provided
- Pick up & drop offYou will need to fly to Toronto Airport where you will be transferred by bus to the town close to the project. A member of the project will be waiting for you at the bus stop. Buses leaves at 2pm and 6:30pm daily. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights. A member of the project will be waiting to meet you to take you to the project.
- Mail-holding serviceYou can use FRONTEERINGS office as a reliable address to have your mail delivered
- Ongoing serviceIf there are any problems with your volunteer project we are always there to help you and mediate between yourself and the organization.
- ToursThrough FRONTEERING you have the possibility to book tours in Canada after you have finished your volunteer project.
- 24/7 Emergency contactIf there are any problems during you stay in Vancouver you can reach us 24/7 to assist you.
What's not included: Flights, Insurance and MealsPackage Price: 04 weeks: $1,295 US08 weeks: $1,495 US
- RESPONSIBILITIESVolunteers play a vital role in achieving the project’s goal of rescuing and rehabilitating sick, orphaned and injured wildlife. As a volunteer you will be required to work an 8-hour shift with the possibility of your hours being extended depending on the number of animals that need care. Please remember that the animals are your number one priority while you are at the project. The role of the Wildlife Animal Care volunteer is:
- To care for orphaned and injured native Ontario wildlife including hand and tube feeding
- To assist with capture, rehabilitation and release of Ontario wildlife
- Maintain records for rehabilitation animals regarding health and feeding schedules
- Food preparation and feeding of rehabilitation animals and permanent residents of the sanctuary. Note: this may require handling of animal carcass and meat
Clean and maintain animal enclosures.Assist with guiding and educating tourists on visiting days.Build, maintain and repair indoor and outdoor enclosures. Maintain and repair buildings. Grounds maintenance including drainage ditches, grass cutting and the application of wood trimmings, Carpentry and Other duties as assigned from time to time.
- Requirements, Guidelines & Policies
- Required to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks in May/June and 4 the remainder of the year.
- Rabies vaccines are mandatory if volunteering between April through to October and highly recommended from November through to May. Proof of inoculation is required.
- Tetanus is highly recommended with proof of inoculation.
- Must be able to work under the guidance of the wildlife rehabilitators.
- NO SMOKING is allowed on the property.
- Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, polite, self-sufficient, eager, honest, good sense of humor, dependable, physically and mentally fit.
- Age: 18+
- No animal allergies
- Extreme Weather (heat & cold), dirt and living in a remote area must be something you can handle!
- 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 of the project. A valid driver’s license would be an asset, but is not required
- Good communication skills and the ability to work independently
- Good knowledge of the English
- Patient and comfortable around mammals and birds
- Volunteers must remember that they are representatives of Procyon Wildlife and should act in a professional manner when dealing with the public. Remember that we count on the public for support; they must be treated courteously and with respect at all times
- Volunteer Benefits
- A unique opportunity to have a hands on experience with many native wildlife species including beavers and otters!
- Gain wildlife experience and learn a different Culture.
- Great opportunity to explore Canada.
- Fast Facts
- Project locationCanada, North America
- Area Famous ForBears, Root Bears, Rocky Mountains, Skiing, Niagara Waterfalls, Pacific Rainforest and friendly people.
- When to visitApril to September, in summer great hiking at the local mountains and lakes and in the winter to visit one of the local skiing areas. The project needs your help from April to November due to many orphaned baby animals needing extra care!
- Wildlife viewingGood, In the nearby surrounds are many opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles, squirrels, Raccoons, skunks, deer, coyotes, black bears.
- Itinerary & DetailsDay 1 - Arrive in Beautiful Toronto; You will arrive in beautiful Toronto Airport where you will catch a bus to get to Huntsville. Buses leave at 2 pm and 6:30pm daily. Please consider the time when booking your flight. A member of the project will meet you at the bus stop in Huntsville. For your first day at the project, there is no specific start time as you are given a chance to get to know the sanctuary, the other volunteers and to settle in.For 4 - 8 weeks - Help, rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals! For the next few weeks, you will help the wildlife rehabilitators to run the daily operation of the center and give every animal there another chance at survival.Your last day - You will fly back home or take the opportunity to travel through Canada. Our staff will gladly help you to book any tours to see more of this great country. If you would like to visit Vancouver or Toronto; we can help you with both short and longer term accommodation.
- AccommodationShared rustic accommodation with one or two bunk beds per room and shared washroom facilities. You will have access to Wi-Fi where you can use your own device. There is a common room where meals can be prepared or visit with other volunteers. Laundry can be done on site with laundry detergent being provided. There is also potable well water.Things to bring from home
- Sturdy work boots or rubber boots, bug jackets/netting, bug spray, good walking shoes, towels, flashlights and clothing appropriate for the weather during your stay.
- We recommend that you have some long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Indoor shoes/slippers for common living areas. Sheets are supplied. If you need, you can bring your own.
MealsMeals are not provided for. There is a common room for preparing your own meals and visiting with other volunteers. Condiments/spices are your responsibility but are often shared and available. A staff member will take you to town to get groceries.LocationThe volunteer project is just outside of a small town 3 hours north of Toronto, Ontario. It is about half hour away from four larger cities. There are great opportunities to view wildlife which includes Black bears, coyotes, deer and many more.
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