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Lemur Conservation Associate

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Enjoy life on this unique island known for its biodiversity and native wildlife and plants
  • Work alongside the team at a local animal reserve
  • Feed the lemurs in the morning and afternoon and help clean their cages
  • Collect fruit and green leaves for the lemurs
  • Help with the maintenence of fences and enclosures


Especially good for

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Lemurs are beautiful docile creatures, and on this exciting project you can help in a rehabilitation centre on the stunning island of Nosy Be.

The Lemur Experience and Conservation Project aims to raise public awareness about the importance of safeguarding lemurs and their natural habitat, particularly the Nosy-Be lemur population. This project offers an opportunity for individuals interested in ecological research and conservation work to ...

About the program

The Lemur Experience and Conservation Project aims to raise public awareness about the importance of safeguarding lemurs and their natural habitat, particularly the Nosy-Be lemur population. This project offers an opportunity for individuals interested in ecological research and conservation work to actively participate. Engaging in the research and long-term management of lemur populations is a requirement within a controlled sanctuary.

The decline of lemur populations in Madagascar is primarily attributed to widespread deforestation, habitat destruction, and poaching. The conservation project in Nosy Be addresses these issues through habitat restoration, population monitoring, and public awareness campaigns in the vicinity of the program locations.

At this location, nature enthusiasts have a unique chance to observe and interact closely with various lemur species. Alongside routine tasks such as feeding the lemurs and maintaining their environment, specific data collection is conducted under the supervision of an expert in the field. Each lemur is assigned a dedicated file to compile essential information, including details on age, sex, breeding, behaviour, distinctive traits, and physical characteristics. Additionally, records are kept for other species like turtles and chameleons in a comprehensive database.

The gathered information enables the park veterinarian to provide appropriate care for each resident. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to communicate in English and raise awareness among sanctuary visitors about lemurs.

Moreover, you will contribute to the development of awareness campaigns targeting the local community, educating them about the significance of safeguarding the lemur population and its habitat.

As a participant, you play a crucial role in the conservation efforts of Nosy Be and the well-being of lemurs residing in a controlled environment. Your contributions aid in preserving this unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. Prior to commencing your volunteer work, it is essential to understand your role, responsibilities, and expectations.

Your general duties encompass the following:

  • Assisting in the preparation and feeding of lemurs.
  • Participating in the cleaning of lemur areas.
  • Providing care for other species within the sanctuary.
  • Creating, expanding, and maintaining a database of lemurs and other species inhabiting the sanctuary. This includes recording information such as age, sex, breeding, daily behaviour, identifying features, and physical characteristics.
  • Establishing, expanding, and updating a database of the flora found at the project locations.
  • Engaging with sanctuary visitors, offering insights and information in English.
  • Facilitating a seamless transition for the next group of participants, ensuring the continued progress of the program in Nosy Be under the guidance of the local team
Location
Nosy Be (meaning ‘big island’) is an absolutely stunning island off the north-west coast and is Madagascar’s largest and busiest tourist destination. The population is estimated around 73,010 and the island has an area space of 320.02 square kilometres.

On Nosy Be island you will find volcanic lakes, lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and beautiful coral reefs. There is just so much to explore on this amazing island! In May, you can experience the 4 day Donia Music Festival. Situated on the Indian Ocean, on Nosy-Be island you can relax on the best white sand beaches, take a boat trip through the jungle, go trekking to see lemurs or snorkel alongside turtles and manta rays in the clear waters.

Project Tasks
  • To contribute and help to the rehabilitation of native lemur species, which have been taken from their natural habitats
  • Prepare feed, clean cages, plant trees and general care of the lemurs
  • Help with the maintenence of the enclosures


Typical day

Your daily routine starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Kindly refer to the schedule given below.

07.30 am: Breakfast at the accommodation

08.00 am: Depart from the accommodation

08.30 am: Report to the Lemur Experience & Conservation program / Daily Briefing

09.00 am–12.00 pm: Activities ...

Typical day

Your daily routine starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Kindly refer to the schedule given below.

07.30 am: Breakfast at the accommodation

08.00 am: Depart from the accommodation

08.30 am: Report to the Lemur Experience & Conservation program / Daily Briefing

09.00 am–12.00 pm: Activities pertaining to the program

12.00 pm–1.00 pm: Packed lunch at site

01.00 pm–04.00 pm: Activities pertaining to the program

04.00 pm -  Depart for the accommodation

7.30 pm - Dinner will be served at the accommodation.


*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


Free-time activities

The sun shines year-round here, with Nosy Be being a beach and sea lovers paradise, hosting incredible snorkelling and diving. Nosy Be is packed with activities to get up to during your free, the most popular is checking out the paradise beaches. Here are just a few of the stunning beaches you can ...

Free-time activities

The sun shines year-round here, with Nosy Be being a beach and sea lovers paradise, hosting incredible snorkelling and diving. Nosy Be is packed with activities to get up to during your free, the most popular is checking out the paradise beaches. Here are just a few of the stunning beaches you can visit:

  • Palm Beach
  • Andilana Beach
  • Ambatoloaka Beach
  • Andilana Beach
Wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts will certainly be at home in Nosy Be too. See if you can spot the diurnal and nocturnal native lemur species, count the unique bird species, see reptiles or indigenous plants, whilst trekking through the lush jungle. There are also scuba diving & snorkelling tours and inland boat trips.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Program fee includes:
  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion

Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Fascene Airport (NOS). You must arrive between the hours 08:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge an extra fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to the accommodation it takes 33 minutes by road.   

Accommodation

You will stay at our volunteer house, where there is a dining room and lounge area to socialise with fellow volunteers. There is also a beautiful garden to relax in during time off. A balcony and large roof terrace are also available for you to chill out in. Rooms are shared between 2-4  people, there are fans, bed linen, lockable rooms, water (no hot water for showers), and laundry facilities for an extra cost. You can upgrade to a private room with aircon for an extra fee.

There is a kitchen and refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store any food and drinks you require.  The closest ATM to the h isouse about 10 minutes away by Tuk-Tuk from the accommodation. The closest local supermarket is around 10 minutes away by Tuk-Tuk, and the closest Medical center is around 15 minutes away by Tuk-Tuk.


*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


Food & Beverages

We provide three meals per day during weekdays and two per day on weekends. Your meals will be a mix of Western and Malagasy food, usually consisting of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish around twice a week. There are kitchen facilities for you to cook your own meals or you can eat out at any of the local restaurants nearby.


What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. 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 Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 879€
2 weeks 1,326€
3 weeks 1,823€
4 weeks 2,276€
8 weeks 4,413€
12 weeks (max. stay) 6,053€
Average fees 691€/week

Program fees

691€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

204 reviews · rating4.7

Nico rating4.8

2024 at Lemur Conservation Associate

We had good two weeks (4.8. - 17.8.). We have cleaned the cages, prepaired the food and feeded the animals. Really special moments were the contact with the animals. The team was pretty nice and like friends. Food and accomodation were good. Especially the second week with our guide LAURIANA PRISCA ...
christina perkin rating1.8

2024 at Lemur Conservation Associate

Unfortunately nothing as described the park was the worst 'zoo' I have ever visited. There was no rehabilitation no conservation at all. Information given was often wrong when asking questions about the animals and lifestyles etc. There was no native habitat for the lemurs and some of them had come ...
The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...

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