Behaviour & Management Volunteer at Moon Bear Rescue Centres

Current positions available
Chengdu, China: Jan-March / July-Sept / Oct-Dec 2008
Tam Dao, Hanoi, Vietnam: Jan-March / July-Sept / Oct-Dec 2008

Animals Asia Foundation has positions available within its Behavior & Management Volunteer Programme.

Experienced animal professionals - such as zoo keepers, animal trainers/handlers, rehabbers, behaviorists and conservationists - are invited to apply for this unique opportunity to work with rescued Asiatic Black Bears at one of our Moon Bear Rescue Centres, either in China or in Vietnam. Successful volunteers may be placed in either sanctuary depending on the staff needs of AAF at the time.

Participants will be involved in various projects including:

Enrichment Development
• Enrichment preparation and assistance with setting up in various enclosures and dens, as per established calendars
• Observations of bears response to enrichment
• Assist with the construction of new or replacement enrichment devices, objects and toys
• Monitor enrichment supplies and usage in each Bear Area
• Stock take of enrichment items
• Research – ideas/suggestions to potentially add to the AAF Enrichment Program;

Behavioural Studies
• Perform ongoing behavioral observations with individual bears or groups plus other resident animals as required.
• Record data on general observation charts

Other Duties
• Preparing the daily medicated shakes
• Assisting with the husbandry of bears hospitalized in transport cages (as needed)
• Small animal care (as needed)
• IT work

Volunteers must be able to commit to at least three months.

On-site accommodation and meals are provided.

Volunteers are expected to work six days per week unless alternative arrangements have been made. Working hours are variable, but are normally 8.00am until 6pm during quiet times. Of course, during periods of new bear arrivals and emergencies, hours will be longer.