The Project
Every year, hundreds of thousands of native animals are injured, orphaned or become sick, often because of interaction with people or pets.

Our wildlife shelters in Australia are unsupported, privately owned wildlife shelters in Australia and for many years, have rescued and rehabilitated sick, injured and orphaned native Australian wildlife and loved them back to health to be returned to the natural environment.

Since we receive no recurrent funding from governments, the shelters rely on the contribution of volunteers and donations from the public to keep it running.

The Location
Plan your Australian adventure and choose your volunteer program location (tell us which shelter you prefer in your application)

Shelter 1:  Located in a small rural community in the east part of the Riverina on a working farm. The Riverina is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales, Australia, just near the Victorian border. The Riverina is distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains, warm to hot climate and an ample supply of water for irrigation. This combination has allowed the Riverina to develop into one of the most productive and agriculturally diverse areas of Australia. Bordered on the south by the state of Victoria and on the east by the Great Dividing Range, the Riverina covers those areas of New South Wales in the Murray and Murrumbidgee drainage zones to their confluence in the west. This is a farm-style homestay, living and working hands on with the project hosts on a daily basis. 

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: Wednesday.

Shelter 2: Located on a beautiful mountain top near the coastal city of Gladstone, Queensland.  Gladstone is itself is a hillside city, overlooking Port Curtis, Queensland’s largest multi-commodity shipping port. Marine activities are the lifeblood of the city sitting at the central part of the Great Barrier Reef. Mount Larcom offers lots of bush walking and spectacular views of the surrounding region. Also well known for its good old Aussie pie! This project has separate fully equipped volunteer quarters set in the natural landscape. Apart from animals in care, there are often wild kangaroos, birds and other animals seen on the property. 

Hands-on with animals? depends on animal needs. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (minimum 2 weeks).

Our Volunteers

Volunteers play a key role in wildlife rescue and care. Not only will you be learning new skills and helping animals in need, you will make new friends from around the world and will create an enriching experience for yourself.

While the number of native animals needing help is increasing, volunteer numbers are not keeping up. Your contribution is enormous as the shelters need your help to feed and care for them, provide enrichments, build and maintain enclosures. 

Conditions Onsite
Weather

Shelter 1 is cold in the Winter months with mild to sunny weather in Summer. 

Shelter 2 is situated North and it is very hot during the day so you must be prepared to work in the heat. 

In winter it can be quite cold overnight at any of the shelters.

Bring a Telstra sim card so you have access to the internet. 

Please Note:
The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.