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Care for Animals Project at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Malaysia

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BORNEO'S NATIVE WILDLIFE. Care for animals in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Malaysian Borneo's newest attraction and home to many of Sabah's native and threatened species. Many species in Borneo are endangered and so the Wildlife Park has a very important role in educating the public in conservation and awareness of environmental issues. 

Some of the native species at the Wildlife Park include Orang-utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Elephants (including two very charming baby Elephants) and a Pygmy Rhino. On top of this the Wildlife Park has Tigers, a Clouded Leopard, Gibbons, Otters, Sun Bears, Giant Tortoise, Mouse Deer, Ostrich, Civets and a fantastic Aviary complete with talking birds which allows the visitor a taste of life deep within the rainforest.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Wildlife Park is set in a 280 acre forest reserve is in the district of Penampang, just 15 kms south west of Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is run by the Sabah Wildlife Department and has been developed with education and fostering awareness of conservation issues in mind. Unlike some other Zoos in the region, the Wildlife Park is very big and is able to provide animals with enclosures which imitate natural conditions as much as possible. For children, the petting area provides a hands on experience and the chance to learn about conservation.

The Wildlife Park is a cross between a traditional Wildlife Park and a Zoo and so many people refer to it as a modern Zoo.  The Park's main aims are to;

• Increase Public Awareness
• Provide World Class animal facilities and enclosures
• Start an environmental education programme
• Make captive breeding of endangered species possible
• Allow research activities to take place

Not only will the Wildlife Park strive to achieve these objectives but also to provide educational opportunities for locals, foreigners and schools, diversify the local economy and utilize local manpower.

Many Western Zoos take a hands off approach, where even keepers have very little direct hands on contact with the animals. At Lok Kawi, keeper and animal interaction is an important part of keeping the animals well looked after and healthy. Your role will be to assist keepers in their daily duties in looking after the animals, however, not all of the animals are tame and therefore you'll only be allowed hands on contact with some of the animals. 

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into South East Asia and Malaysian culture.

• The enormous satisfaction of helping captive animals and knowing that you made a difference to them.

• 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

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:
The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially opened in February 2007 and has enjoyed high visitor numbers since this time, with the majority of visitors consisting of local Malays. There are plans to develop an education programme amongst local schools and a volunteer programme for Malaysian citizens

Travellers and the Sabah Wildlife Department have arranged a structured programme at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park which will allow volunteers the opportunity to learn about animal care across a variety of species. You'll have hands on contact with some of the animals that have been hand reared.

Working hours are generally between 8.00am - 12.00am and 2.00pm - 5.00pm.

You will assist on a rotation system within the areas listed below:
 

• Elephants (10 days)
• Primates (Orang-Utans and Monkeys) & Reptiles (5 Days)
• Birds & Hoofstock (5 Days)

ELEPHANTS:
All of the Elephants at Lok Kawi are Pygmy Elephants and there are currently 5 female elephants, 1 male and 2 babies. Pygmy Elephants are native to Borneo - in the wild they are found mainly in Sabah along the Kinabatangan river, but their population and habitat is dwindling due to human intervention. Borneo's Pygmy Elephants are thought to be a separate sub-species of the Asian Elephant as the two differ in many ways. Pygmy Elephants are typically half a metre smaller in height than Asian Elephants and yet have longer trunks and tails, both of which sweep the ground. They also tend to be much less aggressive than Asian Elephants. Conservation and understanding of Borneo's Elephants is incredibly important as they are critically endangered. Lok Kawi plays an important role in educating the public about Borneo's native wildlife.

The baby elephants at Lok Kawi were rescued from the wild during separate poaching incidents which resulted in their mothers being killed. They have been in contact with humans since a very young age as they had to be bottle fed. Visitors and children can interact with the baby elephants at the Children's zoo.

• Cleaning enclosures thoroughly
• Preparing food/milk
• Bottle feeding and washing the baby elephants
• Reporting to the veterinarian on behaviour/eating patterns
• Taking the baby elephants to the Children's Zoo and assisting with visitor interaction/safety. This includes some rides for the children but only during weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
• Inspecting animals for different behaviour or signs of illness and report to the veterinarian/other staff where necessary.

PRIMATES:
Primate species at Lok Kawi include Orang-Utans, Proboscis Monkeys and Gibbons. Within this area you'll also look after some of the other small mammals at the park. Both Orang-Utans and Proboscis Monkeys are native to Borneo and both are facing the threat of extinction due to loss of habitat and human intervention. 

Orang-Utans are incredibly gentle, inquisitive and endearing creatures. They are native to Borneo and Sumatra and found high up in the forest canopy. Orang-Utans are solitary animals and difficult to spot in the wild. At Lok Kawi there are 8 young Orang-Utans, living in a large unfenced enclosure with plenty of enrichment activities - bridges, hammocks, ropes and tyres to climb and swing on. Visitors are not allowed interaction with the Orang-Utans but as a volunteer you will be involved in some of the behind the scenes duties, which includes a direct hands on approach with the animals where possible. Orang-utans are facing extinction within the next 10 - 15 years due in part to a loss of habitat in the wild. They also have incredibly slow reproduction rates which means that a drop in their population has an even greater effect on the rate of extinction. The Orang-Utans at Lok Kawi will not be released but will remain in captivity to raise awareness of conservation issues to the public.

Gibbons are found in the subtropical forests of South East Asia and usually live in family groups of 2 - 6 individuals. They are territorial and excellent climbers and jumpers, capable of reaching up to 9 metres in a single jump. You may assist with the following duties within the primates section;

• Cleaning enclosures
• Preparing food and feeding 
• Moving orang-utans from the night stalls to their outside enclosures 
• Handling other primates when required
• To assist with feeding time at the exhibits and talk to visitors about the various different primates
• Inspecting animals for different behaviour or signs of illness and report to the veterinarian/other staff where necessary. 

BIRDS:
Walking into the Aviary is like stepping into the middle of the jungle! The forest canopy is covered with a mesh that is so high that you barely even notice it hovering above the trees. A wooden walkway leads you through the Aviary and across a stream where birds can be seen fishing and wading in the mud. Talking parrots will greet you 'hello' and you may even be lucky enough to spot a mouse deer foraging in the vegetation. Sabah's iconic Rhinoceros Hornbill will no doubt swoop past you, making a loud whooshing sound with each wing beat - the hornbill is also famous for it's loud trumpeting calls. This black bird has a white tail and a dramatic yellow and red beak and casque. Other birds in this section include Macaws, Myna's and Hornbills.

You may assist with the following duties within the Main Aviary, the Macaw exhibit, the Myna exhibit and the Hornbill exhibit; 

• Cleaning enclosures thoroughly to provide a clean environment for the birds
• Preparing food
• Maintaining records of the number of birds that come to the feeding platform and reporting anything abnormal to the veterinarian/other staff
• To assist with feeding time and talk to visitors about the various different birds

RHINOS, DEER AND OTHER HOOFSTOCK:
Within the Hoofstock area you'll assist with Rhino, Cattle (Anchole and Bali), Axis and Deer (Timor, Red, Barking and Mouse).  You may assist with the following duties; 

• Moving animals from night stalls to enclosures.
• Inspecting animals for different behaviour or signs of illness and report to the veterinarian/other staff where necessary. 
• Cleaning enclosures thoroughly to ensure a clean environment for the animals

THE TRAVELLERS / SABAH WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT PARTNERSHIP:
Travellers have worked closely with the Sabah Wildlife Department for several years and are very proud of their successful partnership. In the past, several volunteers that have joined Travellers Orang-Utan project have been invited by the Sabah Wildlife Department to help with various projects to set up the Wildlife Park. One Travellers' volunteer assisted in the design of the sun bear enclosure and another who had experience in graphic design produced the Wildlife Parks information pamphlet. Travellers are delighted to have been involved in the Wildlife Park since it's early development in 2003. 

Travellers are proud to have had the opportunity to donate £5,140.00 from the Bridge The Gap Foundation (The Phil Perkes Trust) to sponsor the Children’s Zoo. The Children’s Zoo is first and foremost an educational facility with an information centre currently under construction that will boast live exhibits. Brightly painted murals engage attention and the petting zoo allows children to have hands on contact with domestic animals and wildlife to encourage learning about conservation. Within the petting area there are animals such as Rabbits, Tortoise, Miniature Ponies and Goats. Travellers' donation reflects their commitment in education and raising awareness about conservation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Travellers' Project Manager Vicky will arrange your programme and look after you. Here she is on site site in Malaysia during one of her regular inspection trips

Malaysia has lovely weather all year round with lots of sunshine and you will have some time during your free days to explore the local region and visit some of the tourist attractions.

During the first few days of your stay you will also receive an induction with the Sabah Wildlife Department, who run the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. This induction will include a briefing on the project and a chance to meet some of the key staff who you will be working with.

Our projects in Malaysia are very popular and you are sure to have a wonderful time during your stay in Sabah.

• This project is for a fixed period of 4 weeks and group departures leave every 4 weeks or thereabouts.

• All volunteers must arrive in time for the Induction with Travellers Organiser (dates will be specified by Travellers). Unfortunately late arrivals cannot be accepted onto the project.

• You will be provided with 2 T-Shirts to be worn as a work uniform 

• Some of the animals are semi-wild and hands on contact with certain animals won't be possible (e.g with carnivores or semi-carnivores which can be dangerous)

In order to apply for a place on this project you should be able to meet the following criteria:

• Have a high level of fitness and be able to work as part of a team conducting physical work in hot and humid conditions.

• Be able to cope in a tropical environment where there are large insects, snakes, bugs and leeches. If you are squeamish about insects then this is NOT the placement for you.

• Have a genuine interest in Wildlife and recognise the educational importance of having animals in a Wildlife Park such as Lok Kawi - this is NOT a rehabilitation programme and animals won't be released into the wild.