Work in Colombo Zoo helping animals

Your work on this project will be reasonably varied and you'll also learn a lot about the different species and what animal care in a third world country involves. There is a vast number and variety of animals at the Zoo, currently (at time of writing) including 12 elephants, many different primates and chimps, hippos, giraffes, bears, seals, zebra, snakes, crocodiles, antelope, fish and various other animals. There is also a lone Orang Utan and an aquarium.

This project is for animal lovers and people who don't mind hard work and getting their hands dirty. Work starts early because a lot is done before opening time at 8.30. Below is a summary of current and potential work at the Zoo.

• Much of the work involves cleaning out the animal cages so that they're kept comfortable and healthy. This usually takes place between 7.00 a.m. and 9.00 a.m., before the Zoo opens - therefore, you need to be capable of early starts!
• Cleaning and feeding the primates
• Washing down the enclosures and refilling the animals' baths
• Feeding some animals (excluding any of the dangerous ones, such as crocodiles and possibly the big cats).
• Behavioural observation, plus on occasion caring for sick animals.
• Preparing the food
• Gardening to maintain the surroundings.
• Helping to build the children's play area.
• Opportunities to learn about the different species and what is involved in animal care in a third world country.
• Although you'll help care for and feed some of the animals at the Zoo, your work with any big or dangerous animals will only be undertaken under close supervision.
• You will learn about enrichment programmes and implement projects of your choice ranging from building a hammock for the monkeys to stimulating the environments of the bears through food/smell enrichment techniques to rebuilding whole enclosures for the animals.

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the exotic island of Sri Lanka.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• The satisfaction of helping to contribute to the well-being of captive animals by improving their enclosures and living spaces
• And best of all ...an unforgettable experience!

You'll live in a lovely house with other Travellers volunteers in Ja-Ela (there are lots of bathrooms, one for each room!). The house is typical of the Sri Lankan style and you will have all necessary facilities and a comfortable communal living area to socialise in.

All our volunteers use their weekends and free time to do a lot of travelling around the southern part of the island. There are many, many attractive tourist sights to see, ranging from glorious beaches to impressive temples. Thw towns and villages are fascinating and so different to what we're used to in the Western world.

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like to apply for this project. Visit our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.