Veterinary Volunteer Programme: Gabon

Volunteer Vet Programme

The Aspinall Foundation (TAF) in cooperation with the governments of the Republic of Congo and of Gabon has been working for the conservation of indigenous endangered species in general, and of gorillas in particular. In order to achieve this goal TAF set up Projet Protection des Gorilles (PPG) Congo and Gabon. Gorilla reintroduction is one of several activities carried out by PPG in Congo and Gabon to achieve this goal. The principal aim of the reintroduction programme, following IUCN (2002) and Beck et al. (2007), is to re-establish viable, self-sustaining populations of the western gorilla in the wild, within the former range of the species

To achieve this goal, PPG is involved in several distinct but related activities in the two range countries:

• The reduction of the trade in orphan gorillas, and consequently the illegal bush-meat trade, by repression (facilitating confiscation of illegally held gorillas by the national governments) and by prevention (information, awareness, education).
• The rehabilitation of confiscated orphan gorillas into a natural forest habitat, for the conservation and individual welfare of these ‘ambassadors’ of their species.
• The reintroduction of gorillas into protected areas within the former range of the species.
• The management of these areas for the restoration and the protection of their natural resources.
• The promotion of local, national and international awareness of the threats facing the species.

The development of sustainable conservation-minded activities which provide economic benefits on a local and national scale

PPG  runs a volunteer vet programme that seeks to monitor and oversee the health of our Gorilla orphans.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in the field of conservation medicine whilst gaining invaluable practical experience of working with endangered Central African wildlife species.

 We are looking for qualified veterinary surgeons (with a degree recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) with experience of working with (captive) wildlife species. The applicant should also be fluent in French.

The position will be for a minimum duration of 6 months and will be based in our reserve in Gabon.

As the veterinarian for PPG Gabon you will be responsible for monitoring the health of the gorillas in the project and for regularly reporting to the Aspinall Foundation’s Head of Veterinary Services in the UK. You will work in conjunction with our UK based Veterinary Department to carry out preventative healthcare and veterinary procedures.  Although this is a sole charge position, support and advice will be available from the UK at all times.

You will also be responsible for the veterinary records- both keeping of current records and also analysing and organising some archived records and data. You will also have the opportunity to liaise and assist our UK based Veterinary Team in further developing veterinary protocols for the project.

Basic veterinary equipment (including darting apparatus) is on site in Gabon

Unfortunately the project cannot offer a salary. However, the project will provide accommodation, a food allowance, health insurance and flights to and from Gabon.

To apply: please send a full CV and cover letter to Jane Hopper, Head of Veterinary Services, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Aldington Road, Nr Hythe, Kent. CT21 4PD.

Or e-mail janeh@aspinallfoundation.org